What to Consider in Your College Search
You spent time looking at different colleges and universities to figure out which schools are a good fit. If you already found a few options, that’s great! Here are a few things to consider when you’re adding colleges to your list.
Cost
Plenty of students are determined to avoid student loans by applying to lower-cost schools. If you’re concerned about the price tag of college, make sure you check out the tuition and fees. You may find they’re relatively affordable, or that they’re way out of your price range.
Keep in mind the tuition listed on a university’s website isn’t necessarily the price you’ll pay. Scholarships and grants may cover some of the expense and make a certain school much more affordable!
Location
By now, you might be leaning towards going to school closer to home or jetting off to explore a new part of the country. Similarly, weight the pros and cons of each side as you would when deciding any other college factor.
Size
Do you thrive in small group settings and classes that allow everyone to participate and chime in? A huge public university may not be the best match. If you love meeting new people and being surrounded by others, a larger school may be a better fit than a liberal arts college with just a few hundred students
Programs
Don’t waste your time looking at a school that doesn’t offer a program you're interested in. Someone who’s always wanted to be a biology major at a huge research university probably isn’t going to be happy at a small liberal arts college.
But your program of study isn’t the only thing that’ll determine fit. What about study abroad programs if you’re interested in travel? A religious affiliation if you’re serious about your faith? A women's college if you're ambitious and looking for a strong community? If you’re considering a career that requires a master’s degree, are there any schools that offer a five-year combined bachelor’s/master’s program? These types of programs play a big part in whether or not a school is a great fit.
