Small class sizes lead to huge advantage for students at Finlandia University

Average class size in 2016-17 was 11 students

Finlandia University has long been known for delivering an extraordinary amount of attention to each student it welcomes to campus. During the 2016-17 academic year that shown through with an average class size of 11 students.

“These lower ratios of students to faculty provide a great system of faculty support, an opportunity to offer students uncommon attention,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Fredi de Yampert said. “Sometimes students can feel lost at a larger school with large class sizes. Being smaller allows us to work more closely, help our students feel at home.”

While the benefits in a normal classroom may seem obvious, the extra time with professors is absolutely essential for the personal growth of up-and-coming artists.

“Small class size is a key to success for our students,” said Denise Vandeville, Dean of Finlandia’s International School of Art & Design. “The one-on-one time with professors when it comes to nurturing creative innovation opens the doors of opportunities for our students.”

The benefits are magnified as students enter their final years of schooling before beginning their career. For Finlandia’s 300- and 400-level classes, there were slightly more than seven students per class.

“Having small class sizes allows for greater learning experiences,” said Kevin Manninen, Dean of the International School of Business. “In addition to all the benefits of small class sizes in the classroom, it also means that advisors have more time for quality interaction with students.”

For business students that leads to unique opportunities for networking.

“With a small class size it is easy to visit companies and meet with local and regional business leaders,” Manninen said. “This is hard to do with larger class sizes as most companies have limited space for accommodating large groups.”

Classes start for the 2017-18 academic year at Finlandia University on Monday, September 28.