Five reasons a small college like WPU may be right for you

Choosing the right college is about identifying the best learning environment for student success. It’s as much about culture and campus size as it is about a school’s course offerings. For some, 30,000 students on a sprawling campus with large classes is energizing; others prefer a smaller campus where they can be seen, heard and known as individuals.

William Peace University (WPU) is just such an intimate campus in the middle of a vibrant, growing city. Students enjoy a variety of academic, artistic and social activities as they would at a larger school, but the focus at WPU is on immersive learning, high-quality relationships, and hands-on preparation for a successful life and career.

Here are five reasons families and students should consider small universities.

One-on-one relationships support student success. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of a small college or university is that students are known by their professors, classmates and staff. With 750 students and an 11:1 ratio of teachers to students, WPU is a tight-knit community. Students receive individual attention in small classes, and even create courses of study based on their individual interests and talents.

“Because we’re in this smaller environment, we have the ability to support students along the way,” says Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D., and President of WPU. “We don’t pull away from challenging students, but provide the right framework and environment for them to succeed.”

As one example, the Pathways Program, taught by a staff or faculty member, offers first-year students a “crash course” in college. A peer mentor also offers guidance, help, and friendship to students throughout the year so they can start smart and succeed.

Smaller communities offer diversity of relationships. On smaller campuses, it’s impossible to avoid daily interactions with others from different backgrounds. By broadening students’ diversity of thought and experience, these relationships support an individual’s development and understanding of the world.

The 750 students at WPU are 48% percent male and 52% female; nearly half are students of color. A quarter of the students are the first in their family to go to college.

Alumnus Erienne Dickman values the networking experience she gained at WPU.

“You’re figuring out how to be a team player, learning your leadership style and other people’s,” Erienne said. “You don’t think it’s a big deal, but when you leave and are able to get a job and start your career, it gives you a step up.”

Professors are student-focused, students first. As at other institutions, WPU students choose between a variety of bachelor’s degree options. Popular majors include business administration, simulation and game design, communications, psychology, criminal justice, and exercise and sports science.

However, at some large institutions, many professors prioritize research and publishing. Students may attend large classes and be graded by teaching assistants who are themselves students. At WPU, all classes are taught by professors, 70% of whom hold a doctorate; others are industry-experienced. All are focused on helping students learn and succeed.

WPU is also part of the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges Consortium, which includes North Carolina State University, Meredith College, St. Augustine’s University, Shaw University, and Wake Technical Community College. Anyone at the six schools can take classes at another and access each schools’ library resources.

“Immersive learning” builds hard and soft skills. People learn best by doing. Many schools offer internships; however, smaller institutions like WPU can also offer more personalized, experiential approaches to learning.

“Immersive learning” is a core education principle at WPU. Hands-on projects are part of every course. Students in Simulation and Game Design, for example, built a virtual reality tour of the school’s Welcome Center, using state-of-the-art technology. That simulation is now used as a recruitment tool with high school students.

Adam Lembo, one of the virtual reality designers, says student engagement is enhanced by doing what interests them.

“We have a lot of project-based classes where we get to choose what projects we want to do,” Adam says. “So if I want to make a game, I can make a specific genre of game or I can make a specific product.”

In addition, over 200 businesses and organizations in the area partner with WPU to support its highly-valued student internships. One criminal justice student interned with the US Marshals Service. Others intern with leading video game companies.

“We don’t want people sitting in lectures all the time; we want people working in groups,” says Ryan Killilea, Associate Director of Admissions for WPU. “We want people getting out into the real world, making an impact.”

A WPU education translates into employment. WPU’s focus on immersive learning offers students concrete experience that leads to employment. On average, 96% of traditional WPU students are employed or in graduate school a year after graduation. A recent survey of internship sites showed that 98% would have hired their intern if a position was available.

One business student, interning with a large Raleigh-based construction company, so impressed his managers that they asked to hire him immediately. He had enough credits, so graduated early into a full-time job.

“That doesn’t happen to everyone, but a lot of internships give you great experience so when you apply to other jobs, you are ready to go,” Killilea said. “In such a high-tech environment, with RTP growing, with new companies coming in, it’s giving even more opportunities to our students.”