<p>National universities are bigger, more numerous, and offer a wider variety of programs. Therefore, they can accomodate more students. Furthermore, relatively low-cost public universities are available in every state. Most LACs are expensive private schools. They are not equally available in all areas of the country.</p>
<p>In my opinion, LACs tend to fight above their weight. That is, some of them (like Kenyon or Whitman) are worthy alternatives to more famous, prestigious national universities (in terms of the level of student-faculty engagement and overall quality of instruction you’re likely to get in a typical class.) Of course, many variables come into play.</p>