Choosing to go to college is a big decision, but one step further is an even more complicated decision; choosing where to go to college. With so many colleges and options available to incoming students, it can be hard to decide where to go.
Here are five things students should consider when choosing a college.
In this post:
1. Location
One of the biggest factors to consider when selecting a college is location. Some students get excited thinking about the idea of possibly moving out of state and attending college far, far away from home. Although this can be an exciting prospect, it can also be scary and expensive for some. When considering a college, evaluate how comfortable you would be away from home. Do you want to go to a school close to home and local, or would you like to leave? If you want to leave for college, how far do you want to go? Would you like to be close enough to visit home regularly in case you get homesick, or is distance irrelevant?
2. Size
When evaluating a school, always consider the size of the school. Some universities and colleges are quite large, which can be great if you’re looking for a lot of class options, but could leave you feeling as though you’re lost in a crowd. Smaller schools might have a lesser variety in courses, however, you’re less likely to feel as lost. Always consider the size of the school, as well as any available resources that the school has for new students to adjust to school life.
3. Financial Aid
Many students rely on financial aid to help pay their costs of tuition. If you plan on using financial aid to attend college, it is important that you select a school that is able to accept financial aid. When considering schools, always be sure to inquire about their financial aid status. The last thing any student wants to do is to get excited about a specific school only to discover the school is unable to accept federal financial aid.
4. Housing
No matter where you choose to go to school, you will have to live somewhere. Whether you choose to live in a dorm, rent an apartment, or stay with friends and family, always consider your living arrangements in relation to any school you consider attending. If you’ll have to pay for living expenses, be sure to investigate these costs prior to selecting the school as different areas have different costs of living.
5. Costs
College can be expensive. Although finances shouldn’t be your only primary concern when selecting a school, keep your finances in mind when determining where you’d like to go. If you’re looking to keep tuition costs down, choosing a school with less prestige than Harvard or Yale will likely save you a significant amount of money. Additionally, not-for-profit schools are typically much less costly for students than private for-profit schools.
