When Clinton appeared on campus here two days earlier, about 600 people came to see her at a forum about college affordability. About 300 people were seated in a room at the student union while nearly 300 watched from an overflow room during the event Friday morning, according to figures provided by Clinton’s campaign.

While Clinton’s event was open to the public, aides said that it was not meant to draw a rally-sized crowd and that Clinton was focused on holding a thoughtful discussion. Sanders’s event, which his campaign said drew more than 3,000 people, was held at a time more convenient for students.

Still, the large disparity in crowd sizes highlights an enthusiasm gap among younger voters in the early nominating states. Recent polls from Iowa and New Hampshire have shown Sanders with sizable leads over Clinton among voters younger than 30.