The term class size is defined as either the number of students in an individual class or the average number of students being taught in a specific educational system. Class size in relation to the American 4-year residential college model has two distinct meanings: both (1) the size of individual academic courses and (2) the size of an incoming cohort of students (e.g., the freshman class). While class size is a critical component to convincing high school students to consider attending a specific institution, it also affects how admission officers craft an incoming cohort. Class size is relevant to prospective college students, college rankings, admission offices, and institutional priorities.

Perhaps the first mention of class size occurs while high school students are progressing through their college ...