Big Fish, Small Pond vs. Small Fish, Big Pond: How College Size Impacts Scholarships

When it comes to scholarships, the size of your “pond” can make a huge difference.

When I talk to students about choosing a college, I often use this analogy: you can be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond. Both options have their advantages, but when it comes to scholarships, the size of your “pond” can make a huge difference.

Let’s look at a few Louisiana examples.

🎓 The Big Ponds: LSU & Tulane

Louisiana State University (LSU) admits around 7,500 freshmen each year. With tens of thousands of applications pouring in, it’s easy for even a strong student to get lost in the crowd.
Tulane University admitted just over 4,500 students in its most recent class, chosen from more than 32,000 applicants. Competition is fierce, and scholarships are highly competitive.

At these larger universities, standing out requires more than good grades. Schools are looking for extraordinary applications, unique extracurriculars, and often, very high test scores. While institutional scholarships exist, the awards are spread across a massive student body, making them harder to secure in large amounts.

🎓 The Smaller Ponds: Nicholls State & University of Holy Cross

Nicholls State University brings in roughly 1,200–1,300 freshmen per year. Students here often receive generous merit-based aid, especially those at the top of their high school class.
University of Holy Cross (UHC) is on the opposite end of the spectrum, enrolling fewer than 100 new freshmen each year. With such a small cohort, standout students have a much higher chance of receiving significant scholarships and individual attention from faculty.

At smaller colleges, top students are often rewarded more generously because their accomplishments have a bigger impact on the community. They’re not just one of thousands—they’re one of a select few.

💰 Scholarships: Where Do You Get the Most Value?

At Tulane, the average institutional aid package is about $25,000–$30,000 per year, but tuition and fees run close to $65,000 annually, leaving a big gap for families to cover.

At LSU, average institutional awards are smaller (around $7,000–$8,000 annually), but in-state tuition is much lower, so the overall cost can still be manageable.

Meanwhile, at Nicholls and UHC, strong students often receive merit aid that covers a substantial portion of tuition, sometimes leaving families with only fees or housing costs to cover. In UHC’s case, many students qualify for automatic scholarships upon admission, making it one of the most affordable private options in Louisiana.

✅ Takeaway: Choose Your Pond Wisely

If your goal is prestige, resources, and national name recognition, large universities like Tulane and LSU may be the right fit—just be prepared for fierce competition and higher out-of-pocket costs.

If your goal is maximizing scholarships, leadership opportunities, and individual attention, schools like Nicholls or UHC may allow you to be a “big fish” whose impact is noticed and rewarded.

The right pond depends on your goals, but knowing the differences can help you make the smartest financial decision for your future.