NYU vs. Case Western: Which Has Smaller Undergraduate Class Sizes?

Case Western Reserve is more likely to provide the smaller, more personal undergraduate classroom experience overall. Its undergraduate population is far smaller than NYU’s, and students commonly encounter smaller sections, closer access to professors, and a more contained campus community. That difference tends to be most noticeable in upper-level courses, labs, and seminars, where Case Western’s classes often feel collaborative rather than anonymous.

A student who wants a traditional residential-campus setting and regular discussion with the same classmates may find Case Western a better match. Its research emphasis does not eliminate larger introductory science, engineering, or economics lectures, but those courses typically lead into smaller lab, recitation, and major-specific classes. Many departments also make it relatively practical to build relationships with faculty through research and office hours.

NYU can offer excellent small seminars, particularly in advanced courses and some programs within its individual schools, but its much larger undergraduate enrollment means introductory and popular courses are more likely to be sizable. The experience can also feel less personal because students are spread across a major urban campus rather than concentrated in one conventional college setting.

For a student whose priority is discussion-based teaching from the beginning and a consistently close-knit academic environment, Case Western is the more reliable choice. NYU makes more sense when its specific programs, New York City setting, or school-based opportunities outweigh the preference for smaller classes.