[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]When picking a college, you must consider what’s important to you and your personal and professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What factors should you consider during your college search? Prospective applicants should spend some time thinking about things like degree programs, cost, location, school size, and extracurricular options. It’s also important to research a school or program’s education statistics, accreditation, and prestige. Finally, consider college fit. A flagship public institution might be the perfect fit for one student, while a private liberal arts college may be the perfect fit for another.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After researching these factors, students should [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]schedule a college visit[/hen-ui-link] to get a feel for what the campus is like in person. This article provides steps for finding the right college for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]8 Things to Consider When Choosing a College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]1. Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What do you want to study in college? Answering that question is the fastest way to narrow your college search. Students interested in unique majors like poultry science or video game design will find that some schools do not offer courses in their field. For students planning to pursue popular majors like business, nursing, and engineering, check school rankings in those fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Having a general idea of what you want to study before you pick your college can make the process easier, but you do not need to know your exact major. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]Narrowing your interests[/hen-ui-link] to broader categories like STEM majors, the humanities, or education can also benefit your college search.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you know your interests, investigate what [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]degree levels[/hen-ui-link] are offered by prospective schools and match them to your own educational aspirations. Some schools excel at the undergraduate level, letting students gain research experience or design an interdisciplinary major. Others stand out at the graduate level, with strong medical or business schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, prospective applicants should look at what classes schools offer. Pay careful attention to schedule options, particularly if you are interested in night or weekend classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]2. Affordability[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For many students, cost is a major factor in the college search. When it comes time to pick a college, you want to make sure the school fits your budget, even after accounting for fees and living expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cua/undergrad-costs”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link], the average public university costs over $27,000 per year as of 2023-2024, while private universities cost nearly $59,000 per year. On top of tuition, fees, and room and board, students should also consider the area’s cost of living and expenses like transportation, extracurriculars, and entertainment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective students should also [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]research financial aid[/hen-ui-link], as scholarships, grants, and fellowships can lower the cost of a college degree. Many students also rely on loans to help pay for college. Distance learning students can qualify for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]online financial aid[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]3. Location[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location may figure prominently in your college search. Some students prefer an urban college in the center of a major city, while others want a rural, small-town college experience. Some students prefer sticking close to home, while others want to explore a new place.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location can affect the cost of college substantially. Students can typically save thousands by choosing a public, in-state school. On average, in-state tuition costs around [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp”]$18,000 less[/hen-ui-link] per year than out-of-state tuition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location also affects your ability to receive state financial aid, including grants that support state residents. Prospective applicants should check the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/four-year-college-in-each-state/”]most affordable colleges[/hen-ui-link] in their state to see how much they can save at an in-state school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective applicants should also determine whether they are willing to move out of state to attend college or if they would prefer a school close to home. Working professionals, adult learners, and students with families may want to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/why-online-college/”]consider online programs[/hen-ui-link], which allow them to attend college without relocating.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]4. School Size[/hen-ui-heading]

• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Small Campus[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Campuses come in many sizes, and some students prefer the feel of a small campus. At a small campus, students can get to know each other and build strong relationships with faculty members. For others, a small campus can feel limiting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What counts as a small campus? Schools that enroll under 5,000 students typically fall into this category — usually private schools, though some public colleges and universities also offer a small campus environment. Keep in mind that a small campus does not necessarily mean a low student-to-faculty ratio.[/hen-ui-text]
• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Midsize Campus[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Midsize campuses typically enroll 5,000-15,000 students. Most Ivy League schools fall into this category, as do many public schools. A medium-size school offers a balance between the intimate feel of a small school and the variety of majors, activities, and sports available on a large campus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching midsize campuses, prospective applicants consider the student-to-faculty ratio, academic options, and location. Students concerned about fitting in at a larger school should also research orientation activities, campus events, and extracurricular opportunities, which can help incoming freshmen connect and feel at home more quickly.[/hen-ui-text]
• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Large Campus[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A large campus generally means more than 15,000 students, though some universities enroll over 50,000. While a large campus can be overwhelming for some students, others see it as an opportunity to explore and meet many different people. Large universities also tend to offer more specialized classes, unique majors, and research opportunities than smaller schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending a large university does not mean you will get lost in the crowd. Many large campuses still offer low student-to-faculty ratios and small class sizes for seminars and discussion groups. Undergraduates should also consider the size of the school’s graduate and professional programs; at many schools, the number of graduate students can inflate student body size, and the number of undergraduates is actually fairly small.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]5. Extracurriculars[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College isn’t only about the classroom, so your college criteria should include extracurriculars. Some schools even offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid for incoming students based on their extracurricular interests.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What extracurriculars do colleges offer? That depends. At many schools, undergraduates can join fraternities or sororities to participate in Greek life. Most universities have athletics programs, including intramural sports, where students can play football, soccer, baseball, or basketball. Many schools also offer more niche sports, like golf, lacrosse, or crew.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Outside of sports, students can join the choir or debate team, participate in volunteer opportunities, or work on theater productions. Most colleges also host special interest clubs for things like cooking or film studies. If you have a niche hobby, look into whether your potential school has a club for that hobby.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]6. Prestige[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For some students, prestige is an important factor during the college search. Earning a degree from a prestigious college can help alumni in the job market or when applying to graduate programs. A school’s academic reputation can tell you a lot about the value of your future degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When evaluating prestige, students should look at a school’s reputation, alumni network, and reputation in areas like sports, extracurriculars, or academics. Faculty reputation can also matter in many fields, so prospective students should look into the school’s research programs, grant funding, and faculty publications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]7. Education Statistics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College brochures do not always tell the whole story. Instead, prospective students need to research colleges according to the data.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What statistics should applicants research? Start with data on admissions, retention, and graduation rates. This information reveals the school’s selectivity and the availability of student support services. Next, consider financial information, including the percentage of students who pay full tuition and receive financial aid. Prospective applicants can also look up the average amount of loans students take out.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, research student outcomes. How many students pass certification exams in their field? What is the school’s job placement record? How many alumni believe they received a strong education? [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/”]NCES provides data[/hen-ui-link] on enrollment, retention, demographics, and other education statistics for many schools, so that’s a great place to start.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center mt-0″]8. Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most important factor to consider when picking your college is the school’s accreditation status. Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students and granting degrees, while unaccredited schools often won’t qualify you for the career you want.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits earned from an accredited school are more likely to transfer to programs at other schools, and an accredited degree meets requirements for most professional licenses and degrees. What’s more, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]why accreditation matters[/hen-ui-link] and visit the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council on Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] to research accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ultimately, finding the right college for you could boil down to any number of factors — or just one big one, depending on your goals. For some students, that factor might be a school’s religious affiliation, while others may look at study abroad opportunities or campus culture to find the best fit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What other factors should students consider? College rankings, student safety, dining options, and campus amenities can all factor into your decision. Dorm life, campus athletics, and a diverse student body can also matter. Students with a strong academic record or unique qualifications may also wish to consider their potential institutional aid package options when choosing schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, prospective applicants should consider their chances of gaining admission. Applicants should be realistic about their grades and test scores and make sure they’re applying to a range of schools within their qualifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Do I Start Looking at Colleges?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college search starts with several questions: What size school do you want? What location do you have in mind? What is your budget? By answering these questions, prospective students can pick a college that’s a good fit for their educational and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Average Cost of College?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2021-2022, the average net price of college was $15,200 at public colleges and $29,700 at private colleges per year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Makes a College Prestigious?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission selectivity, history, and prominent alumni can all make a college prestigious. Many prestigious institutions boast long track records in higher education. For example, seven of the eight Ivy League colleges were founded before the American Revolution. Colleges that admit fewer students tend to rank high in prestige, as do schools with extensive alumni networks.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Difference Between a College and a University?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technically speaking, colleges focus on undergraduate degrees, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, while universities also offer programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. Universities typically offer more majors, too. In practice, however, the two terms are often used interchangeably.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Genevieve Carlton” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859758/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/genevieve-carlton.jpg” img-alt=”Genevieve Carlton” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Genevieve Carlton[/hen-ui-link] holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton’s work at [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.genevievecarlton.com/”]genevievecarlton.com[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]