^ But even that overall score may understate the distinction.
If you’re attracted to LACs, then presumably the idea of consistently small classes is very important to you.
Among the top ~40 LACs, there is very little difference in average class size.
Among the top ~40 universities, there are pretty big variations (e.g. between Tufts and GaTech).
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/708190-avg-class-size-p1.html
Look at the spreads in institutional wealth, as measured by endowments per student.
Between Princeton and Boston U ( #1 v. #42 university), the difference is about 71X.
Between Williams and Mt. Holyoke (#1 v. #41 LAC), the difference is only about 3X.
http://www.ordoludus.com/quality.php?sort=ES&dir=down#data