On small classes, you'll know every one of your fellow students
Does class size matter on your MBA? From improved access to professors, to a tight-knit alumni network, here are five things you can gain from a small MBA class
MBA class sizes vary depending on the business school. For schools like Harvard Business School, you’ll find over 900 students in the MBA class. On other programs, average intakes of just 35 students are more intimate.
Class size might not be the first thing you look at when applying, but it’s worth considering that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Smaller classes help students foster strong alumni networks, build stronger relationships with academic staff, and create effective educational environments.
Here are five things you’ll gain from a small MBA class size.
1. An inclusive environment
Small classes make it easier to produce an inclusive environment, where every student has the chance to participate. Unlike large lecture halls, small classroom environments breed discussion.
Sam Solaimani, program director of the full-time MBA at Nyenrode Universiteit in Amsterdam, knows the value of participation for MBA students, especially when it comes to building key communication skills.
“To create a setting where everyone can engage, you need trust, communication, and exposure,” Sam says. “In a small batch of students no one can hide away.”
2. A personable leadership style
Being a personable and thoughtful leader can really help you to understand and engage with your team.
If you’re in an environment small enough for everyone to know one another, then those relationships will stretch further than on larger programs.
“We have decided that interpersonal relationships—the way we care—is the most important factor for Nyenrode,” Sam explains. “Not just between staff and students, but most importantly between students themselves.”
Nyenrode students explore their own personal leadership style through extensive mentoring sessions, including peer group coaching. Honest and intimate feedback from peers is important for developing leadership attributes, and Sam realizes this is made possible by a small MBA class.
3. Face-to-face, personal tuition
A close, intimate style of tuition means better access for students to their professors, as well as visiting business professionals.
“We curate fruitful and optimal teaching environments on the MBA,” Sam says. “With a smaller class, students can share their own personal standpoints, work experience, and best practices from various sectors and regions. We organize numerous company visitations across Europe, which is only possible because we run our operations on a small scale."
On MBA programs with hundreds in the class, large lecture halls create a distanced learning environment. But smaller programs allow an intimacy that creates a longstanding rapport with staff.
At Nyenrode, students have a unique opportunity to engage with leading business professionals in Meet The CEO sessions, for example. This allows students to meet, question, and even present their ideas to people at the top of their game at both European and global companies.
4. A personalized career approach
Smaller classes enable an attentive, intimate approach to career services.
Sam personally witnesses the full journey of every MBA student—but he knows where the impact is felt the most.
“What happens after the MBA program is what really counts,” Sam says. “A bespoke knowledge of each student means we can match them more closely with their ideal career path.”
Students are more than just a name and a number. Getting to know every student personally means academic staff and program management can tailor the program and electives around the student, as well as their personal career goals following their MBA.
Recent Nyenrode MBA graduates have gone on to carve out successful careers in consulting, finance, and marketing—for companies such as Uber, ING, Booking.com, Nestlé, and Accenture.
5. A close-knit alumni network
Small MBA classes like Nyenrode’s mean there are ultimately fewer alumni, but this is no disadvantage. Connections with alumni are likely to be personal and long-lasting—across the whole class.
“Without having to force it, we see peers quickly becoming friends,” Sam says. “They form extended families that make for a profitable and worthwhile network over their careers."
Smaller classes can create friendships and relationships that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Nyenrode provides proof that the rapport with academic staff and classmates provides an ideal environment for developing new skills and building networks to take forward into a successful career.
Computer Science at L'aquila University (L'Aquila, Italy) is one of the best for few reasons like:
- young teachers extremely motivated and skilled
- small campus that facilitates the learning experience, for example in some courses we were approx. 15 people maximum (in the last two years)
It is important to promote quality over quantity and the fact that the campus is not over crowded make the whole education experience extremely worthy.
Student
Verified
9/01/2024
Online
Good
It is a good university overall.
A bit of discrimination.
Otherwise it's a great university with good structure, good environment.
Their Degree is recognized world wide, qualified lectures and improved laboratory.
Student
Verified
12/10/2023
On Campus
Review
The institution has remained one of the top notch universities in the glob because of it academic impact on students both in academicical discipline and in all ramifications and they have also in the paste years raise up academic heroes.
Jean Claude
Verified
6/03/2024
On Campus
Class Reprisentative
computer science
i like the course of this university
nothing i donot like
becouse is so good school to achieve my gools \with being good mood of the school so every one i ac enreage him or her to joint this schoo.
Student
Verified
28/10/2024
Online
Empowering Business Education at Nyenrode
Nyenrode Business University is a unique institution that combines rigorous academic programs with a strong focus on practical business experience. The campus, located on a beautiful estate, offers a picturesque setting for learning. The classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration and engagement, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Students benefit from small class sizes, which promote personalized attention from professors who often have extensive industry experience. The university emphasizes leadership development and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers in business. Overall, Nyenrode provides a distinctive blend of academic excellence and practical insights, making it an excellent choice for aspiring business leaders.Studying at Nyenrode Business University can be a transformative experience. The university's strong focus on practical learning helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This approach not only enhances understanding but also builds valuable skills that are essential in the business world.
The supportive environment, with small class sizes and accessible professors, allows for personalized guidance and mentorship. This can significantly impact personal and professional development, helping students grow their networks and gain insights from experienced professionals. Overall, the blend of academic rigor and practical application can greatly influence one's career trajectory and personal growth.
Yasir
Verified
4/05/2025
On Campus
A formative and inspiring journey
My experience at Nyenrode Business University has been truly transformative. The program combines rigorous academic instruction with real-world business challenges, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. One of the most striking aspects is the emphasis on leadership and personal development—elements that are not only taught but also practiced. The small class sizes foster close relationships with professors and fellow students, creating a strong and supportive learning environment. The beautiful and peaceful campus is ideal for focusing on your studies. Overall, I highly recommend Nyenrode to anyone looking to further their business skills while developing as a responsible leader.
Shinyun
Verified
13/06/2025
On Campus
International environment and practical learning
Nyenrode Business School offers a very international environment with students from many different countries. I really liked the practical focus of the courses. Many professors shared real industry experience which made the classes very engaging.
For me, the small class sizes helped a lot with participation and building connections. One thing to improve would be the speed of some administrative processes. Overall, I would recommend this school to students looking for a flexible and business-focused program in Europe.
