I spent my first year of college at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins. After two semesters, I transferred to Colorado Mesa University (CMU).

The biggest reason for the transfer was the size of the schools. CSU, while a wonderful opportunity, was so enormous and bustling that it was borderline detrimental to my education. Some students even said that the population of the university had outgrown the city itself. The area surrounding the school was so crowded that the cost of living soared and students struggled to find an apartment – not to mention parking.

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CMU, in comparison, is quieter and calmer. The more laid-back atmosphere allows for a better focus on academics and career development. The classes are smaller, professors can help their students grow on an individual level, and there are more opportunities for on-campus employment.

Being a smaller university is what gives CMU its charm. It’s big enough to have the same educational opportunities as a larger public university, but it’s small enough to give students a community experience.

If CMU grows, the city needs to grow around it and at the same pace. Geographically and otherwise, Grand Junction isn’t in a position to house an enormous university. A school should fit into the community where it’s located in order to make career advancement and living options reasonable for graduates.

After my experiences with both schools, I say CMU is wonderful exactly as it is. While the university should consistently strive for improvement, it may not come in the form of increased enrollment. CMU can improve academics, the campus social atmosphere, community outreach and student activities while still remaining a comfortably small university.

After all, the value of a student’s degree comes from the quality of education they receive, not the size of the school.

Should CMU grow? Absolutely. But it should grow in merit, not in size. The former is more valuable for students and the community.

Besides, none of us want to lose our parking spots.