How do undergraduate class sizes compare at UMD and Villanova?

Villanova provides the smaller-class undergraduate experience. UMD has many small discussion-based and upper-level courses, but its much larger undergraduate population makes sizable introductory lectures more routine.

At UMD, students in high-enrollment majors such as computer science, business, engineering, biology, economics, and psychology should expect some first- and second-year gateway classes to meet in large lecture halls. Those courses commonly include smaller discussion, lab, or recitation sections led by teaching assistants, which can create opportunities for questions and participation even when the main lecture is large.

Villanova’s smaller overall undergraduate enrollment means students are more likely to encounter professors in class early on, including in introductory courses.

The difference often becomes less pronounced after students declare a major: upper-level courses at both schools tend to shrink as classes become specialized. Still, for a student who wants frequent professor interaction from the first semester and prefers most courses to feel personal rather than lecture-driven, Villanova has the clearer advantage.