If you already have a clear sense of your academic path, it’s important to make sure that any school you consider offers a major that fits in that pathway. For instance, students who know they want to study art history should not seriously consider schools that do not offer this degree.

Ready to start your journey?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board cost about $25,280 during the 2019-2020 academic year. To get a more accurate price picture, prospective students can calculate the true program cost, which considers income lost during their studies.

Academic Programs

Prospective students should think about choosing a major early on in the college planning process. To make this choice, they can consider their interests, strengths, and career goals, while also speaking to their family, mentors, guidance counselors, and academic advisors.

With their ideal academic programs in mind, degree-seekers can better choose a school. For example, they can look for the most reputable online colleges that offer programs in the field they hope to enter. Top online schools may offer access to program-specific facilities or specialized credentials that can add value to an online bachelor’s degree.

Prospective students can also compare the curriculums between schools. They can look at the core and elective courses and the available specializations to determine which school offers the most suitable training. They might also evaluate program add-ons, such as minors or major concentrations.

Degree-seekers should also weigh the pros and cons of a school’s program and online course structure. Online programs tend to offer more scheduling flexibility, but learners might have a choice between asynchronous and synchronous study. They also need to review the practical training opportunities and on-campus residency requirements to ensure they can complete them.

Quality of Professors

Diversity

Prospective students might also look into a school’s academics to see if they offer gender and sexuality studies, Black studies, and other cultural studies programs. Online learners may examine ways to join college diversity efforts via student organizations and initiatives.

Resources and Accommodations

Many colleges also support students’ mental health by offering counseling services and other resources for students with disabilities. Identify what programs, activities, and facilities the school has in these areas and what accommodations they offer. You can get this information from an institution’s disability services office or by searching through their wellness resources.

Career Support

Although the beginning of your career may seem like a lifetime away, you should also look into career support services at your potential colleges. These services may include one-on-one advising sessions and career fairs. The latter can be an excellent opportunity to network with employers and find job offers before you graduate.

In addition to career fairs, alumni networks can help college seniors and recent graduates attain jobs. A school may offer services through LinkedIn, Facebook, or a custom platform. Even if you plan to earn a degree remotely, your school may also provide excellent virtual resources, such as online webinars and job boards.

Reputation

Additionally, you can learn a lot about a college’s reputation by studying its history and faculty. A school that experienced a recent scandal should make you wary, even if it possesses other outstanding qualities.

However, understand that a school’s reputation is only one factor to consider when choosing a college. Graduating from an expensive, beautiful school that employs brilliant professors does not guarantee a lucrative job or success in life.

Graduation Rates

By comparing the graduation rates from all the schools you’re considering, you can get an idea of how well each institution retains its students and prepares them to enter the workforce. Schools with high graduation rates usually offer superior student services, strong faculties, and engaging programs.

Accreditation Status

According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, schools no longer receive regional or national accreditation. All schools must now possess institutional accreditation to offer federal financial aid and offer licensure programs. Online college accreditation follows these same rules.

National organizations also award programmatic accreditation. For instance, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs certifies business programs. Bodies that offer programmatic accreditation may also govern licensure requirements in a particular field, such as nursing.

How Do I Determine My Odds of Getting Into Schools?

Top private colleges in the United States often have acceptance rates in the single digits. Many of the best public schools also turn away a large percentage of applicants. For these reasons, you should research ways to increase your college admission chances and seek out schools where you have the greatest odds of finding academic success.

Acceptance Rates

Most schools post admission rate data on their website. To determine your odds at any school, compare your academic performance against first-year students” average standardized test scores and high school GPAs.

Even if your top choice has a low acceptance rate, keep in mind that this number does not necessarily represent your odds. Competitive applicants have a higher chance of being admitted than the typical prospective student.

Test Scores

Although many good colleges no longer require standardized test scores for admission purposes, you should still prepare for and take the ACT or the SAT. Some applicants take both, as the exams are slightly different. You may earn a significantly better score on one of the tests.

Even if you study for the ACT or SAT, you may still not earn a score that makes you a competitive application at your top school. If this happens, do not be discouraged. Remember that admissions offices use a holistic approach when reviewing an application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Online College

The number of online colleges a student should apply to depends on the individual. Degree-seekers often apply to at least five schools, including institutions they know they can get into, those they can probably gain admission to, and colleges that are a reach. Using a college application system, such as the Common App, can help you streamline the application process.

To arrive at an ideal number of schools to apply to, prospective students may want to consider the time they want to spend on applications. This includes time spent researching potential schools and programs, ensuring that each school could be a good fit, and checking that they qualify for admission. Learners must then dedicate enough time to submit the best applications possible.

Identifying which online colleges are the best fits for you can be a challenge. It is not always as simple as picking the most reputable online colleges. Prospective students need to create a list of their strengths, interests, career goals, and priorities and then evaluate how each potential school measures up in those areas.

Online degree-seekers can also read reviews from former students, examine the services and resources offered to online learners, and check into the school”s graduation and retention statistics. For more information on what online schools offer, check out the online college FAQs.

You can compare your online college options in many ways. For example, you can compare student body and school outcomes by using IPEDS or reading school reviews. You might want to compare program offerings and structures to find the one that best aligns with your particular learning style and educational interests.

You can also compare schools” faculties, student services, and available resources. Consider weighing the cost of tuition against the financial aid resources each school provides. You should also think about how well the school supports online learning, including the platform they use, their services, and the technical support they offer.

While students can accept more than one college offer, some may view this as unethical. Since you cannot attend more than one school at a time, you are encouraged to only accept one offer. If multiple schools provide you with an offer of admission, you should accept one and inform the other schools of your decision.

When accepting an offer, administrators may ask you to put a deposit down. If you rescind your acceptance at a later date, you will typically forfeit that deposit money. You can ask to delay your decision while waiting for all offers, which schools may or may not accept.

Yes. You do have the option to accept an offer and then rescind it at a later date. While students are encouraged to honor their commitment, they may change their minds for many reasons and can certainly back out if necessary.

Students who back out after accepting their offer will usually lose out on the deposit money they paid to hold their spot. If you have a valid reason for rescinding your acceptance, you may want to contact the school to explain. Schools may refund your deposit or offer you admission for a later semester or year.

How to Choose a College

Ask a College Advisor: How Do I Know If a College Is a Good Fit for Me?

Take My Advice: Lessons Learned from Online College Students

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Sources:

https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/choosing-a-college/#:~:text=”Factors%20to%20Consider%20When%20Choosing%20a%20College%201,into%20career%20support%20services%20at%20your%20potential%20colleges.
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-college/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/choosing-a-college/
Choosing college

On the flip side, a high rate does not automatically mean that you will be neglected by your instructors. If teaching is the top priority at a college a 20 to 1 ratio might be better than that 10 to ratio at a big research-centered institution. No matter where you go, class sizes will vary along with professor attentiveness. Figure out what you”re looking for in terms of class size, public vs. private, and instructor relations, and put the student to faculty ratio into the proper context.

Academic Life

1. Admission Rate
Depending on how you performed in high school and on the SAT, you may want to apply to schools with higher or lower admission rates. If you aced everything in your academic history, you have a better chance for acceptance at the schools with lower admission rates. On the other hand, if your academic history is less than perfect, make sure you apply to some schools that have a higher admission rate, just in case.

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2. Graduation Rate
Graduating from college is definitely more important than getting accepted. Without graduation, what’s the point of being accepted in the first place? When considering a college, review the percentage of students who complete the full program.

3. Freshmen Retention Rate
Another metric to consider is the freshmen retention rate, which explains what percentage of freshmen return for their sophomore year. A high retention rate indicates overall student satisfaction with their first year experience at that school. It also indicates that few students failed their freshmen year, a crucial time for students trying to adjust to college life.

4. Student to Faculty Ratio
There were 700 students in my very first class at the University of Florida. Needless to say, I never actually got to meet the professor, or get any personal attention or help. Luckily, most of my other classes had fewer students. If I had known that the average class size at the University of Florida was much less than 700, I probably wouldn’t have been so unnerved during my first day at school. If you want or need one-on-one assistance from your professors, examine the student to faculty ratio very closely.

5. School Size
Even if the student to faculty ratio is reasonable, analyze the overall size of the school. This can play a huge role in your comfort level, and in how well you fit in. A large school may be overwhelming for some students, but a small school may be underwhelming for others. Do you want to recognize everyone on campus, or do you want to have more privacy?

6. Graduate/Professional School Options
If you have high aspirations of going on to a graduate or professional school, such as law school or medical school, investigate what percentage of four-year college graduates pursue another degree. This metric gives you some insights about whether the school adequately prepares students for continuing their education, and insights into the probability of follow-through for your academic goals.

7. Jobs Right Out of School
If you worry about finding a job when you finish school, consider the percentage of students who receive a job right after graduation. Some schools have excellent job placement programs, assisting their students in making the transition from student to employee, and helping them find jobs after graduation.

8. Curriculum
Different schools offer different programs with their curriculum. For example, as an Engineering student, I had a set of classes that I was required to take, with little deviation apart from electives. Some other schools, such as Brown University, have a more open curriculum, allowing students to have much greater flexibility with the courses they take.

9. Course Availability
I often see advertisements for schools that provide night and weekend courses. Depending on your availability, you may need to choose a school that has those options. These types of schools make it possible for those who must work full-time jobs to also pursue an education. Taking classes at night, on the weekends, or online, is also an excellent way to earn a graduate degree (e.g. MBA business degree program)

10. Quality of Professors
Does the college have highly qualified professors, or do the professors seem to be amateurs? To make sure you are getting the best possible education, you need to study with highly educated professors that not only have experience teaching, but also real-world skills.

For example, a large number of professors at Miami University in Ohio attended Ivy League schools. Many professors at the university also have real-world training, and at least one urban planning professor works for the city government. Students in his class created a project that mimicked a project the professor had worked on for the city.

Student Life

16. On-Campus Living
As important as academics are when choosing a college, student life can be just as important for some young adults since there are other reasons why you should go to college. For the most part, student life begins and ends in dorm rooms. If you want an active student life, you need to live with other students. Look for the schools that have a high percentage of on-campus living if you want an active student life.

Additionally, if you really want on-campus living, make sure there is availability in the dorms. If you plan to go to school in a larger city, “on-campus” living may be more loosely defined. For example, George Washington University in Washington, D.C. has residence halls spread throughout the city.

17. Greek Life Participation
Sororities and fraternities play a huge role in the social lives of students. For some, getting into the right house is an essential element to being a college student. If this is you, make sure you do not limit your options by applying to a school that has low Greek life participation. For example, Harvard has no Greek life at all.

18. Location
Location is most likely a factor for every potential student. If you need a school close to home, use the metric of miles or traveling distance to find the best fit for you. In addition, you’ll have to decide whether you want the bustle of a big city, or if rural, small town living will be a better fit for you. If you abhor long winters, you’ll want to look for schools on the west coast or in the sunny southern states.

If your concern is a job upon graduation, make sure you are at a school located near potential employers. For example, if you want a career in investing, you’ll likely be better off at a school in New York City rather than a school in Kansas. If you plan to stick close to school in the summer months, determine if internship opportunities exist in the area.

19. Size of Campus
In addition to the location of the campus, consider the geographic size of the campus. Do you want a school where you might have to trek from building to building, taking trains or buses to reach some of your classes? Or do you prefer a small campus, where all the buildings are in close proximity? These are important lifestyle questions that can significantly affect your day-to-day life as a student.

20. Meal Plans
Do the schools offer affordable meal plans? Do students partake in these plans and enjoy the food? Are the meal plans required? Schools located in metropolitan areas, like George Washington University, allow students to set up accounts for debit cards. The debit cards can then be used in campus dining halls and at restaurants throughout Washington, D.C. The students’ meal plans are required at the school, and food purchased at on-campus venues using the card is exempt from sales tax.

21. Extracurricular Activities
Consider a school’s extracurricular activities, in terms of both number and variety offered. These activities may include clubs associated with a field of study, recreational sports, volunteer groups, and religious organizations. The more groups that a college provides, the more likely you will find one that’s right for you.

22. Sports Participation
There are many metrics to consider when thinking about college sports: percentage of student athletes, fan participation, and team rankings. I definitely considered fan participation when I decided to go to the University of Florida. There is nothing like cramming into a loud and spirited stadium every Saturday in the fall with 90,000 of your closest friends!

23. Safety Statistics
Safety statistics are an important metric of campus life. How well are students protected from crimes? How many college police officers are there compared to the number of enrolled students? When you visit a school, do you see evidence of campus security’s presence?

24. Party Life
Let’s face it. Some students go to college to party, and hope to get an education on the side. If going to a party school is important to you, check out rankings on The Princeton Review, which currently lists Ohio University as the biggest party school in the U.S. Arizona State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Wisconsin in Madison are also perennial party schools.

25. Alumni Network
If you want to stay connected to your fellow alumni no matter where life takes you, consider the size of a school’s alumni association. If life takes you around the world, it will be nice to know that you have connections, no matter where you go.

Student Life

16. On-Campus Living
As important as academics are when choosing a college, student life can be just as important for some young adults since there are other reasons why you should go to college. For the most part, student life begins and ends in dorm rooms. If you want an active student life, you need to live with other students. Look for the schools that have a high percentage of on-campus living if you want an active student life.

Additionally, if you really want on-campus living, make sure there is availability in the dorms. If you plan to go to school in a larger city, “on-campus” living may be more loosely defined. For example, George Washington University in Washington, D.C. has residence halls spread throughout the city.

17. Greek Life Participation
Sororities and fraternities play a huge role in the social lives of students. For some, getting into the right house is an essential element to being a college student. If this is you, make sure you do not limit your options by applying to a school that has low Greek life participation. For example, Harvard has no Greek life at all.

18. Location
Location is most likely a factor for every potential student. If you need a school close to home, use the metric of miles or traveling distance to find the best fit for you. In addition, you’ll have to decide whether you want the bustle of a big city, or if rural, small town living will be a better fit for you. If you abhor long winters, you’ll want to look for schools on the west coast or in the sunny southern states.

If your concern is a job upon graduation, make sure you are at a school located near potential employers. For example, if you want a career in investing, you’ll likely be better off at a school in New York City rather than a school in Kansas. If you plan to stick close to school in the summer months, determine if internship opportunities exist in the area.

19. Size of Campus
In addition to the location of the campus, consider the geographic size of the campus. Do you want a school where you might have to trek from building to building, taking trains or buses to reach some of your classes? Or do you prefer a small campus, where all the buildings are in close proximity? These are important lifestyle questions that can significantly affect your day-to-day life as a student.

20. Meal Plans
Do the schools offer affordable meal plans? Do students partake in these plans and enjoy the food? Are the meal plans required? Schools located in metropolitan areas, like George Washington University, allow students to set up accounts for debit cards. The debit cards can then be used in campus dining halls and at restaurants throughout Washington, D.C. The students’ meal plans are required at the school, and food purchased at on-campus venues using the card is exempt from sales tax.

21. Extracurricular Activities
Consider a school’s extracurricular activities, in terms of both number and variety offered. These activities may include clubs associated with a field of study, recreational sports, volunteer groups, and religious organizations. The more groups that a college provides, the more likely you will find one that’s right for you.

22. Sports Participation
There are many metrics to consider when thinking about college sports: percentage of student athletes, fan participation, and team rankings. I definitely considered fan participation when I decided to go to the University of Florida. There is nothing like cramming into a loud and spirited stadium every Saturday in the fall with 90,000 of your closest friends!

23. Safety Statistics
Safety statistics are an important metric of campus life. How well are students protected from crimes? How many college police officers are there compared to the number of enrolled students? When you visit a school, do you see evidence of campus security’s presence?

24. Party Life
Let’s face it. Some students go to college to party, and hope to get an education on the side. If going to a party school is important to you, check out rankings on The Princeton Review, which currently lists Ohio University as the biggest party school in the U.S. Arizona State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Wisconsin in Madison are also perennial party schools.

25. Alumni Network
If you want to stay connected to your fellow alumni no matter where life takes you, consider the size of a school’s alumni association. If life takes you around the world, it will be nice to know that you have connections, no matter where you go.

Financial Factors

29. Cost
Unless you already have a large college savings fund, cost is probably an important metric for you. Some prospective students may look at pricier schools, but for others, it’s important to afford college without taking out student loans. Remember to include room and board, along with tuition, when calculating the total costs for attending a school.

30. Financial Aid Qualification
Some schools are more likely to hand out student aid than others. If you know you will need help paying for college, look for schools that meet the needs of students requesting financial aid.

If you will need financial aid, closely examine the types of financial aid packages available to enrolled students. The school’s website may also provide details about the percentage of students who receive financial aid, and the average amount of financial aid students receive. Also, consider the number of students receiving college scholarships and grants, and review scholarship opportunities for schools to determine eligibility.

31. Working Students
Many college students work while they attend school, but some schools have a higher number of working students and encourage work more than others. Many schools also offer work-study opportunities for students in need of financial aid; the jobs offered by the schools can supplement loans and grants.

For example, Berry College in Northwest Georgia is known for having a large number of students who are employed, and offers hundreds of different jobs to students. On the other hand, some schools emphasize education first, and have no sympathy for students who also have to work.

32. Application Fees
Application fees can add up, especially if you plan to apply to a lot of schools. If money is a factor in the application process, you may want to pass on applying to a school with a high application fee, especially if the chances that you will get accepted and attend the school are small.

33. Graduating Class Indebtedness
The national average amount of debt for the graduating class of 2011 was $22,900. This is an ugly statistic, but be sure to look at how much debt the average graduate has accumulated for a particular school.

Career Services

Most students attend college with career aspirations in mind, and a school”s career services can help you to achieve these. The forms of help and guidance that a school provides as its students apply for jobs, internships, and graduate studies speak highly of the quality of education you will receive there.

You immediately link yourself to every person who has ever attended a college upon your enrollment. A school”s alumni network can be a powerful tool for providing mentoring, professional guidance, and employment opportunities to its students even before they graduate.

Students should be able to take advantage of their school”s alumni network for internships and job opportunities, or there is no point in having one. Alumni at the best schools tend to volunteer their expertise to students in their field.

An active alumni network speaks volumes about the experience students have at a school. If alumni care enough about their alma mater to continue donating their time and money long after graduation, you can assume that their college experience was positive.

Sources:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/factors-choose-college/
https://www.moneycrashers.com/factors-choose-college/
https://www.thoughtco.com/choosing-the-perfect-college-786979
Choosing college

The primary goal of most people going to college is to earn more money, not loose money. Notwithstanding, A recent study by Eduventures found that 24% of students who chose to attend an in-state public university chose to do because it was affordable.

Choosing the Perfect College

Many students feel overwhelmed by the options when trying to decide where to spend the next four (or more) years of their lives. It can be tough to make a decision without getting caught up in the national rankings.

In the end, you are the only one who can really decide what college is best for you. U.S. News & World Report and other rankings most likely aren”t using scoring criteria that are fully aligned with your own interests, personality, talents, and career goals should be the ultimate deciding factors. The #1 ranked school is not likely to be the best school for you.

Disregard college classifications when they only serve to make your choice too difficult, and consider instead what is important to you and what school can best meet your needs both academically and personally. If you are still feeling stuck, don”t worry—this list can help you think about the important factors when choosing a school.

High Graduation Rate

A startlingly low graduation rate is never a good sign. The goal of college is to obtain a degree, so it makes sense that a high rate of failure and/or drop-out is a red flag. Some schools are much more successful at graduating students than others, so don”t settle for a path that is unlikely to lead to the degree you”re paying for.

That said, be sure to put graduation rates into context and determine whether they are justified. For instance, the most selective colleges only enroll students who are already prepared to succeed and likely to graduate. Colleges with open admissions make school accessible to all, and that sometimes means matriculating students who ultimately decide college isn”t for them.

Keep in mind that not every degree can be completed in four years. Some STEM fields, for example, might have industry or internship experiences that require an extra year for students to complete, and other colleges have a large number of working students who may need extra time to balance academics with jobs.

10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a College

Most high school and returning adult students are faced with the same questions – what factors should I consider when finding the best college for me? This can be a difficult question to answer, yet it all comes down to what is most important to you.

Take some time to evaluate what kind of college experiences you want to have, in and out of the classroom. What resources or features does a college need to offer in order for it to be a good fit for your personality? In which types of learning environments will you be most likely to excel: online or distance learning versus on-campus learning? What are you passionate about studying and does the school offer the degree options you want? What are your career goals? There are many factors to consider when choosing a college and the list below will be a great guide for you as you evaluate your college options.

10 Factors To Consider When Choosing a College

1. National and Regional Accreditation

If you want to earn a degree that will help you to create value in today’s job market, it is important to make sure that the college or university you attend is accredited. Accreditation is a rigorous process that higher education institutions must go through in order to certify that their curriculum is up to par with regional and national standards. Never assume that a college is accredited because not all are – even though they may represent themselves to be extremely reputable.

It’s also important to note that the U.S. Department of Education will not provide students with federal assistance (loans or grants) at a school if it is not accredited.
You will also want to find out if a college is regionally or nationally accredited. While both accreditations are valid and valuable, you will most likely want to make sure that the college or university you attend is regionally accredited. You can find out if a college is accredited by looking on a college’s recruiting website, by reviewing their academic catalogs, by speaking with an admissions officer, or by contacting your regional accreditation agencies directly.

Individual departments and academic programs may also be accredited. This type of accreditation ensures that a program itself meets additional quality standards and is recognized as an accredited program, regionally or nationally. If you already know what type of major you want to pursue, it would be wise to look into the accreditation of the respective department or program offering your major.

2. Academic Reputation

Another factor you should consider when selecting a college is the reputation of it’s academic department(s). Ask around, speak with alumni and potential employers in the industries where you want to work once you graduate.

Research the program’s curriculum as well as the experience of the faculty in your intended major. Find out if the academic program offers hands-on experience and offers internship opportunities or helps you to find internships in your field, prior to graduation.

Another thing you may want to consider is college ranking lists, but keep in mind that the criteria used to generate ranking lists differs from one reporting organization to another, and more importantly, may differ from your personal set of college must-have criteria.

Most national college ranking organizations employ factors including endowments, alumni support, graduation rates, and reputation in their computation of rankings. These lists typically favor private colleges and universities.

An accredited degree from a state university or smaller private university may be just as valuable as a degree from an Ivy League university or other prestigious colleges, so be sure to learn what the ranking list methodology is to see if the ranking criteria are in-line with your personal criteria.

Another academic factor worth looking at is a school’s student-to-faculty ratio. The more students there are per faculty member the less personalized attention you are likely to receive. Keep in mind that this ratio is going to differ for freshman, junior and senior classes, as freshman classes are typically larger.

3. College Faculty and Administration

When you think about a college professor, don’t think of them as just another teacher – they are much more than that. In addition to being a teacher, they can counsel with you about your career goals, offer you advice and learning based on their professional experience, help you develop your strengths and identify opportunities, act as a mentor, and when merited, provide you a letter of recommendation.

So when you are choosing a college, examine the quality and experience of the professors it employs. If you already know what you are going to major in then you should scrutinize the professors that influence and support the department you will be involved with.
Visit the campus and chat with professors and speak with students currently in your program of interest about their experience. Good professors will not only provide you with a good education, they will provide you avenues into the real world.

Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for colleges to allow graduate students or adjunct faculty to teach classes. You should find out how many of your courses are going to be taught by tenured professors versus graduate students or adjunct faculty.

4. Physical Location of Campus

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college is location. If you don’t like where you are living when you go to college, it may end up being a miserable experience, even if the college has everything you want. Remember that you are likely to end up attending college for four or more years before you earn your degree, so make sure you are comfortable with the location where you’ll be living.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right university is a grueling process but, on a more positive note, this choice will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Regardless of where you end up, be sure to make the most of it, because, like you’ve probably heard a hundred times over, it goes by fast!

My parting advice is to select the university that will meet your needs but also challenges you to grow and step out of your comfort zone so that when the time comes for you to graduate, you will be able to look back and marvel at how far you’ve come.

Melina is our in-house content manager and career expert. Her work is focused on editing, creating and managing content across CareerAddict, including our social media, CV writing service and career blog. She also dabbles in writing about workplace issues, career development, internships and student life. With a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield, Melina is an avid reader and an active member of the European Youth Parliament. She”s also a CELTA-qualified teacher. When she’s not busy writing, she can be found enjoying copious amounts of coffee and running around with a camera and a bag full of books.

Melina is our in-house content manager and career expert. Her work is focused on editing, creating and managing content across CareerAddict, including our social media, CV writing service and career blog. She also dabbles in writing about workplace issues, career development, internships and student life. With a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield, Melina is an avid reader and an active member of the European Youth Parliament. She”s also a CELTA-qualified teacher. When she’s not busy writing, she can be found enjoying copious amounts of coffee and running around with a camera and a bag full of books.

Sources:

https://www.thoughtco.com/choosing-the-perfect-college-786979
https://www.collegeatlas.org/factors-choosing-a-college.html
https://www.careeraddict.com/which-university
Choosing college

Prospective students still waiting for acceptance letters or information about financial aid from their top-choice school can inform other colleges they”ve been accepted to about their situation and thought process. This is a more ethical approach, rather than accepting multiple offers and pulling out later.

Choosing a College

You know you want to go to college; now you have to pick one. Considering the thousands of schools out there, this can be a daunting task. Make it easier to find the right college by researching your options and knowing what to look for.

Before you can pick a specific school, you need to decide what you want from your higher education and how it meets your needs and lifestyle. When you graduate high school, you have several options to choose from:

Four-Year Colleges and Universities

A four-year college focuses mostly on undergraduate studies and offers a collection of degrees in one specific area, such as business or medicine. A four-year university is generally bigger in size than a college and normally includes undergraduate, professional and graduate degree programs. Both colleges and universities grant bachelor”s degrees.

Four-year colleges and universities can also be broken down into public or private schools. Public colleges and universities receive financial support from the state in which they”re located and generally tend to be larger and less expensive than private colleges. Private colleges and universities are funded through tuition and donations and generally tend to be smaller and slightly more expensive.

Community and Junior Colleges

Community and junior colleges offer a wide variety of two-year associate degree programs. They”re typically less expensive than four-year schools and often have less stringent admissions criteria. Community and junior colleges are a good choice for students who don”t wish to commit to a four-year program or those who only need to take a few classes to qualify for a profession or improve their transcript. Upon completion of a community or junior college, a student can enter the workforce right away or transfer to a four-year school to obtain a bachelor”s degree.

Vocational and Technical Training Schools

Vocational and technical training schools are privately owned and operated schools that focus on teaching the skills required to get a job in a specific field. The duration of a vocational or technical school program can range anywhere from five months to three years, depending on the field of study. Some of the most common fields of study are computer technology, cosmetology, medical assistance, office administration and mechanical repair.

Service Academies and Senior Military Colleges

There are five Service Academies and seven Military Colleges in the US. Service academies and Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) offer military instruction in combination with traditional academics. Many are among the most prestigious education institutions in the world, so admissions are competitive.

Service academies offer full four-year scholarships, and SMCs offer financial-aid packages for eligible students. Both also offer pay for books, board and medical and dental care. In exchange, graduates of Service academies become commissioned officers upon graduation and are required to uphold a service obligation for a minimum of five years. Those who attend SMCs can choose whether or not they want to serve, but recipients of Reserve Officers” Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships will be required to serve after graduation.

Distance Learning

Distance learning refers to educational programs that allow students to receive a degree online. Some programs are run by traditional colleges and allow students to complete a degree while not physically at the school. Other distance-learning programs exist entirely on the Internet. These programs are ideal for people who want to continue their education and complete their degrees but still need to work and maintain their own schedules.

What to Look for in a College

What is the total cost of tuition, room and board? What types of financial aid are offered? Is the school located in an expensive city? Will you need a car to get to and from class? You do not want to be burdened with excessive bills and accompanying stress. Before you finalize your school of choice, make sure you consider all potential costs. Also, talk to your parents about higher-education costs to see if they can help.

Location

Where do you want to study? Are you comfortable being far from home? Can you afford the travel expenses if you are? Do you want a school located in a city with nightlife and a lot of activity or in a rural area with a small-town feel? Pick a location you think will enhance your overall experience.

Academic Programs

What colleges have the majors you are looking for? Do you want a school that will challenge you? Do you want a school that has a master”s program, so you can stay there through graduate school? Or is an undergraduate program simply a stepping-stone to another school you wish to attend for graduate studies? What classes are required as a freshman? What are the graduation requirements? Some schools mandate the subjects students must study to receive a degree, while others allow more choice. Academics are why you are there, so make sure the school has the curriculum you”re looking for.

Extracurricular Activities

Do you play a sport? Do you want to play on a college level? Does the school offer theater, music or debate clubs? How about a student newspaper, radio or TV station? Are you interested in joining a fraternity or sorority? Extracurricular activities are an important complement to academics. Look for a school that offers activities that interest you and will inspire you to learn and grow.

Do you want to go to a big school or a small school? Larger schools usually have more classes and activities, but they also have larger classes, so you may receive less one-on-one time with instructors. Small schools offer more individual attention and often a better chance to get to know your professors on a personal basis, but they may not offer the same amount of courses or activities.

Room and Board

What is the housing situation? What condition are the dorms in? What meal plans are available? Are there apartments close by for off-campus living? Parking permits? Whether you are looking to live off campus or on, room and board is a significant expense, make sure there is affordable housing that meets your standards.

Facilities

What are the athletic centers like? Is there more than one? Are there additional costs associated with them? Is the technology up to date in the computer labs? What do facilities like classrooms, dining halls and the library look like? Does the school practice “green” initiatives like recycling and energy conservation? Above all, make sure the facilities meet your standards and lend themselves to a comfortable learning environment.

Campus Environment

What is life like outside the classroom? Are students welcomed by the surrounding community? Is there stuff to do on the weekends? Do a lot of students commute? Go home on the weekends? What types of religious services are offered on campus? Off campus? Going to college is more than just sitting in class, so take a good look at the overall campus environment.

Diversity

Do you want to go to an all-male or all-female school? Co-ed? What kinds of student organizations are available? Are you searching for a school that has a wide array of different cultures? You should evaluate how important diversity is to you and take a good look at the composition of a school”s student body.

Retention and Graduation Rates

What percentage of students drop out after the first year? What percentage graduates in four years? In five years? Good retention and graduation rates are signs of a school”s quality and student satisfaction, so sit down and review some of the statistics. Figuring out if it takes more than four years to graduate will also help with your financial planning.

Sources:

https://myfuture.com/college/choosing-a-college
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-college/
https://www.sparkadmissions.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-college-or-university/
Choosing college

Once you identify several colleges you are interested in ask yourself “Could I be successful at these colleges?” Look at their admissions standards. Do you meet their minimum standards (required courses, GPA, SAT, etc.)? If the answer is no, there may be an alternative admissions process at the institution that you can ask about.

Choosing a College

If you are reading this, I am assuming you want to go to college. You must have a number of reasons why (to get a good job, be a teacher; play tennis, be a doctor, meet new people, choose a career, play in the band, etc.). Keep these reasons in mind as you begin to look at colleges. These reasons will tell you what to look for as you read about and visit colleges.

First, you should consider the things that you know you want from college. Does it have the academic programs you are interested in? Where is it located? What is the size of the student body? Are there extracurricular programs that you are interested in (sports, clubs, service organizations, etc.)? What are the costs?

Once you generate a list of colleges, there are more questions to ask. How are academic programs structured? What general support services (tutoring, orientation courses, writing labs, technological support, etc.) are offered? What does the campus look and feel like? How is the food? What kind of calendar or timeframe are classes taught in (quarters or semesters)? What is a typical class size for an introductory course? And finally, how are disability services organized?

It is important to know that there is a great deal of variability in how disability services are organized from college to college. Generally, students must take the initiative to receive services. College students have control over who knows about their disability and how to arrange accommodations; they will also have more responsibility for making those arrangements.

Another common fact is colleges will not ask you about your disability. You may choose to include information about your disability in your application. You can do this in an essay, in letters of recommendation, or in a separate letter included with your application. Different colleges have different ways of considering this information. Check with the disability services office or the admissions office about the procedures at the schools you are interested in.

As an example, USF may be an ideal choice if you’re a sun worshipping urbanite. Our average temperature is 70-90 degrees, and the greater Tampa Bay metro area offers countless cultural, recreational, internship, service-learning, and employment opportunities, along with some of the top beaches in the country. It’s perfect for those who love the sunshine and city life, but not so ideal for ski enthusiasts or those who prefer the rolling countryside.

• Residence Halls: What types of halls are available – singles, doubles, suite-style, apartment style? How much do they cost? Who is eligible? Are there communities for like-minded students (same major, special interests, etc.)?

• Dining Halls & Restaurants: What kind of meal plans are available? Where can you eat with the meal plan? Are there restaurants on campus or only dining halls? Do they accommodate special diets such as vegan or gluten-free?

• On-Site Services: Are you able to get medical care right on campus? Does the college offer an on-campus pharmacy, counseling center, bank, grocery store or other needed services?

• Recreation Opportunities: Does the college have a rec center? What type of equipment do they have? Are fitness classes offered? Is there a pool, basketball court, track or other amenities that interest you? Are there other recreation opportunities on campus?

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Genevieve Carlton

Genevieve Carlton 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 genevievecarlton.com.

Sources:

https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/college-college-prep/choosing-college
https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/top-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-a-college
https://thebestschools.org/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/
Choosing college

Michael Horn
Right, exactly. You sort of have to keep studying and staying up and getting new skills, and some of them go back to get business, you know, MBA right degrees, because they realize that they need to manage people if they want to excel

Academic Life

1. Admission Rate
Depending on how you performed in high school and on the SAT, you may want to apply to schools with higher or lower admission rates. If you aced everything in your academic history, you have a better chance for acceptance at the schools with lower admission rates. On the other hand, if your academic history is less than perfect, make sure you apply to some schools that have a higher admission rate, just in case.

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2. Graduation Rate
Graduating from college is definitely more important than getting accepted. Without graduation, what’s the point of being accepted in the first place? When considering a college, review the percentage of students who complete the full program.

3. Freshmen Retention Rate
Another metric to consider is the freshmen retention rate, which explains what percentage of freshmen return for their sophomore year. A high retention rate indicates overall student satisfaction with their first year experience at that school. It also indicates that few students failed their freshmen year, a crucial time for students trying to adjust to college life.

4. Student to Faculty Ratio
There were 700 students in my very first class at the University of Florida. Needless to say, I never actually got to meet the professor, or get any personal attention or help. Luckily, most of my other classes had fewer students. If I had known that the average class size at the University of Florida was much less than 700, I probably wouldn’t have been so unnerved during my first day at school. If you want or need one-on-one assistance from your professors, examine the student to faculty ratio very closely.

5. School Size
Even if the student to faculty ratio is reasonable, analyze the overall size of the school. This can play a huge role in your comfort level, and in how well you fit in. A large school may be overwhelming for some students, but a small school may be underwhelming for others. Do you want to recognize everyone on campus, or do you want to have more privacy?

6. Graduate/Professional School Options
If you have high aspirations of going on to a graduate or professional school, such as law school or medical school, investigate what percentage of four-year college graduates pursue another degree. This metric gives you some insights about whether the school adequately prepares students for continuing their education, and insights into the probability of follow-through for your academic goals.

7. Jobs Right Out of School
If you worry about finding a job when you finish school, consider the percentage of students who receive a job right after graduation. Some schools have excellent job placement programs, assisting their students in making the transition from student to employee, and helping them find jobs after graduation.

8. Curriculum
Different schools offer different programs with their curriculum. For example, as an Engineering student, I had a set of classes that I was required to take, with little deviation apart from electives. Some other schools, such as Brown University, have a more open curriculum, allowing students to have much greater flexibility with the courses they take.

9. Course Availability
I often see advertisements for schools that provide night and weekend courses. Depending on your availability, you may need to choose a school that has those options. These types of schools make it possible for those who must work full-time jobs to also pursue an education. Taking classes at night, on the weekends, or online, is also an excellent way to earn a graduate degree (e.g. MBA business degree program)

10. Quality of Professors
Does the college have highly qualified professors, or do the professors seem to be amateurs? To make sure you are getting the best possible education, you need to study with highly educated professors that not only have experience teaching, but also real-world skills.

For example, a large number of professors at Miami University in Ohio attended Ivy League schools. Many professors at the university also have real-world training, and at least one urban planning professor works for the city government. Students in his class created a project that mimicked a project the professor had worked on for the city.

Humphreys University

It’s your first day of high school, and while the graduation date might seem far, it really isn’t. As you go through your years in high school, you start to hear the word “college” more often and the biggest decision of your educational career has to be made soon: Figuring out where to go to college.

It’s really critical that you begin your college planning before your senior starts because application deadlines can fly by and you might have to take a break from college for a semester or quarter (depending on the school). Not only that, but the National Center for Education Statistics reported that there is a decrease of 30% in four-year program enrollment of students who took a break from school for a year after graduating high school. Ideally, the sooner you start planning for college in your high school years, the better—but it’s recommended to start planning during your Junior year. Starting to plan soon will allow you to properly plan your path to college.

Start brainstorming college locations and majors with your parents or current/former college students. It’s important to have as many ideas in mind to be able to properly do your homework on which college will be the best for you to go with. It might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s important to start to plan your college future, rather than waiting until the last minute to do so. You can also talk to your high school’s career center counselor so they can help you explore your college and major options.

It’s important to build the list of colleges and majors that you’re considering so that you’ll be able to do your research on each of them. Don’t limit yourself to just a few choices, as you’ll want to review as many as possible to make sure that you can make the best decision possible.

There are many majors out there and you’ll want to explore as many options as possible to decide which one’s right for you. There are a variety of ways to figure out which one might be good for you to go with, and one of the ways to do so is by choosing a major based on your personality.

This is probably one of the biggest decisions that you’ll have to make as it will greatly affect your decisions later on. As it with anything, there are pros and cons of staying at home for college—but you’ll definitely want to review them to make the best decision possible. You can always wait on deciding this to consider options locally and far from home, but it’s always good to have an idea of which one you’re leaning towards before so that you can look at more of those options in detail later.

You now have your list of colleges that you are considering and the next step is to start doing your research on them. The best place to start these days is with the college website. You’ll want to check out plenty of pages to learn more about them and get a feel for what the student life is like. You’ll definitely want to check the accreditations that they have. For example, at Humphreys University, one of our accreditations was provided by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1972. It’s important to know that the colleges you are looking at have accreditations, because it provides much more value to your degree.

If your list consists of mainly public colleges, you’ll definitely want to consider private, not-for-profit colleges, as well. There are differences between both kinds of colleges and you may have benefits that you will miss out on if you don’t consider private as well. Typically, private colleges tend to have a smaller class size, since they generally have a smaller student population than most public colleges. For example, at Humphreys University, we have an 11:1 student teacher ratio, which allows students to have a better understanding of a course. This also provides them with more time to spend with instructors to ask any questions they have about the course.

Many colleges offer online, on-campus, or even hybrid instruction. Online classes are especially helpful for busy adults or students looking to balance work and education. According to U.S. News, 23% of 24 & younger undergraduates are working 20 or more hours each week, so there is a likelihood you may be in this situation and having the option to have an online class or two could greatly help. Hybrid classes are especially helpful as they combine both the online and campus elements which provide students with the experience of taking the class on campus and completing the rest of the classwork online. If you’re thinking that you may be working often during college, then you should definitely be looking at all of the online options that the colleges have to offer.

After you’ve compared all of the non-financial options, you’ll want to also look at the costs involved with different colleges. Aside from tuition itself, you should take a look at other costs such as housing, gas, food, and even an average of the costs of books in a particular subject.

Questions Answered Today:

What are the aspects of college planning that need careful consideration?

Parents should not think of these experts’ services as a shortcut toward their student’s best career path. While experts may be of great help, students may still fail. Remember that the application process requires great effort as well from the families and, most importantly, from the student.

It’s also important that the student meet someone in the profession they’re considering, so they can see what the job is like on a daily basis. This experience helps them decide if what they have in mind is something they actually see themselves doing for a living.

What are the most common types of students who go to college?

• Those who go due to others’ expectations. This group is not motivated by excitement, but they go anyway because someone else is pushing them to do so.

• Those who just want to get away. This group is likely to become overwhelmed because college isn’t what they planned at all. For this kind of student, it’s important that parents help them get away, but at the same time help them figure out what to do afterward, or which path they want to pursue.

• Those who want to go to schoolsthey perceiveto be the best. This is the group who opts to have the classic prestigious college experience, without really digging deeper into why they want to go to that school. Simply put, they want certain colleges because they’ve always had the vision that those schools are the best colleges.

• Those that want to “step things up.” This is a common reason for those from low-income communities. Their reason for going to college is to improve the quality of their life. This may also be those people who are going back to school to learn skills or earn certifications and degrees for a certain job.

• Those that want to “extend themselves” are the ones with genuine love for learning. Michael notes that not many teenagers fall under this category.

If my student is in the groups listed above, what should I do?

If the student falls under the first two groups, those who are pressured by others and those who simply want to go away, forcing them to attend a four-year college may not be the best decision. Why? Because it’s highly likely that the student will either drop out or transfer, which will ultimately be a financial investment with no return. The best thing to do is to lead the student into building an intrinsic desire to go school by taking a gap year.

Taking a gap year opens up the student’s doors to numerous possibilities. Michael notes that this should not be an indefinite gap year, and that there should be some serious bonds to make sure that the student would take it seriously and maximize the experience. Here are some of the things students can do:

If the student falls under the last three groups, you probably don’t have to worry too much. According to the data Michael has, this group has a 70% success rate. Michael has some tips for the parents of students from these groups though:

How do I deal with average, high-achieving, and undecided students?

For students who are somewhere in the middle (B’s or C’s), one of the most important things to do is find a college where they can excel. Note that this doesn’t necessarily have to be a small school. Michael notes that building social networks during this time is necessary, so make sure to meet mentors, professors, and alumni who could help you get job opportunities later.

High-achieving students are extremely motivated and talented, so they are likely to go over and beyond, and that’s the danger to it. It’s important that they don’t bite off more than they can chew, as this will cause problems. One good example is a student who excelled both in athletics and academics. Because she couldn’t give up one, she pursued both. In the end, she got completely overwhelmed and had to drop out.

For those who are undecided, want to pursue many careers, and want to experiment, it’s ideal to find schools that are not overly strict in choosing majors. Look for schools that permit students to decide on a major in their junior year. This allows students to have more time to explore and learn about what they truly want.

What resources does Michael have that are helpful for parents?

Brad Recommends

Today, I recommend some past episodes that are closely related to what Michal and I discussed today. They should refresh your memory about topics we referred in our conversation, such as ‘gap year’ and ‘choosing a career path.’

Helpful Articles and Resources

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Presenter
You have kids, they grow up. And before you know it, it”s time to plan for college. Where do you start? How much is it going to cost? Will you qualify for financial aid? Should you be looking into scholarships? When will you be able to retire? What about student loans? The list of questions is never-ending. The good news is all the answers are right here. Welcome to the Taming the High Cost of College Podcast. Here is your host, certified financial planner, Brad Baldridge.

Brad Baldridge
Hello, welcome to Taming the High Cost of College. I”m your host, Brad Baldridge. And this episode, we”ve got a great interview with Michael Horn. Again, he”s the author of Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life. In this episode, we talked with Michael, he does a lot of research and a lot of great information about choosing majors and choosing careers and the statistics around why people don”t finish college and what happens when they don”t. So he”s got a wealth of information to help families that are struggling a little bit perhaps around why college and should we do college, and what kind of questions should we consider as we”ve worked this out. Then stay tuned for Brad Recommends, I”m going to recommend a couple podcasts that fit well with what you learn, talk about gap years and other resources that might further you along on the process of choosing a major or choosing a college. Alright, let”s go ahead and jump into the interview with Michael.

Brad Baldridge
Yeah, it”s great to have you. You do a lot of research and writing and all kinds of interesting things around education, broad education, anything from K through 12, all the way through college. So to give a lot of insight and been reading some of your stuff. And a lot of it rings true with what I see as well. So it”s like, you have the hardcore research to prove it. And I have the anecdotal evidence that goes along with it.

Brad Baldridge
Right. So obviously, you have a book out there called Choosing College. And I think a lot of families that I”m working with are in the high school age, and they”re struggling with choosing college. And I think that means different things too, it”s like choosing which college, choosing to go to college at all, and comparing it to alternative paths. And so tell us a little bit about the basics of the book and what it”s about and why we would want to read it.

Brad Baldridge
Right, exactly. So that anecdotal evidence of people that drop out and actually I in one of the articles I was reading, I actually grabbed this quote where it says, “Students who enroll in college because they felt it was expected of them ended up dropping out or transferring 74% of the time.” You did, then as our research revealed, so obviously you study that and came up with a really high number.

Michael Horn
Yeah, it was stunning. And just in brief, it was basically that was one of the clusters. There”s a whole set of students who are very apathetic about whether they really want to go to college. They”re just doing it because they feel like, “Society expects me to do it. My parents expect me to do it, my peers, my teachers, my counselors, whatever it is.” And they go in there kind of listless and so as you said, 74% of the students dropped out or transferred well over half that it was a complete waste of time and money. And then we were able to do larger surveys over 1000s of people tracking them and seeing this pattern just repeatedly play out where they weren”t really invested or convinced by the result. And the reality is In this country, roughly 55 to 60% of students will graduate four-year college in six years. So that”s 40 plus percent who are not going to graduate a four-year college in six-year time. And we know from the data also speaking, a lot of this conversation about student debt can be overwrought, because sometimes it”s a great investment. But if you don”t graduate, and you have student debt, that”s where you see a lot of the students not able to repay and a lot of the crippling stories that you read about in the paper.

Brad Baldridge
Right, absolutely. And I guess, just to clarify, again, another quote that fits right into this, as you say, essentially, college is high stakes, we”ve always had the problem of choosing college and that kind of stuff. But our generation, and I”m quite a bit older than you, but I certainly remember being able to work in the summer, and earn enough and a small loan covered college. So I could literally in 10-12 weeks earn enough to cover a big chunk of college. So that”s the high stakes, I guess his students are not earning 20, 40, 60 thousand dollars in a summer anymore.

Sources:

https://www.moneycrashers.com/factors-choose-college/
https://www.humphreys.edu/how-to-choose-the-right-college/
https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-143-choosing-college-how-to-make-better-learning-decisions-throughout-your-life/>