A quick note to point out: college and university mean the same thing, but for the sake of this post, I’ll be using college.
If you’re reading this you’re probably almost done with high school, going back to finish college, getting a higher degree, or whatever situation you’re in, you’ve come to the right place!
I will share as much information as I can to help you choose a college that’s right for you. The tips discussed aren’t extensive or all-inclusive as situations are different for everyone.
Picking the “perfect” college involves a lot of work. You have the option to go to a four-year college or two-year college, also known as a community college.
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10 steps to choosing a college that’s right for you
1. Citizenship Status
Are you a domestic student; attending college in the same country or an international student; attending college outside the home country?
If you’re an international student, make sure to research the rules and regulations of the destination country (visa requirements, scholarship, tuition rates, job opportunities, etc).
2. Tuition Fees
Did you know that on average, tuition in the U.S. increases by 8% EVERY year! Tuition rates for colleges keep increasing, accounting for inflation as well. College tuition amount is often different for domestic (in-state students versus out-of-state students) and international students; public college vs private college.
In-state students tend to pay lower than out-of-state students while international students pay higher. A public school has a lower tuition rate than a private school (which will be further discussed in the next section). The exception is in a private college, all students no matter their status pay the same amount excluding grants, scholarships, loans, etc.
3. Type of College
In the U.S., there are options to go to a two-year or a four-year college. If you decide to go to a two-year, can get your Associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year to complete and get a Bachelor’s degree.
a. 2-year college: Community College
Going to a 2-year college has its advantages. The most common reason is to save money. 2-year colleges are usually less expensive than a traditional 4-year college. Deciding to go to a community college depends on your situation.
b. 4-year college: Private vs Public College
The main difference is how they are funded. Public schools are funded primarily by state governments, while private schools rely on tuition, donations, and endowment funds. This is why tuition is lower in public schools due to an influx of public money and higher in private schools because it relies on tuition and private donations.
Another difference is their size. Private schools tend to be smaller both in campus size and student population than public schools. For example, a public school can hold up to 200 or more students for a lecture versus 30 students or less in a private school.
4. Program/Major Offerings
Of course, this is important! Why do you want to go to college? Your why will help you decide what major you want to study. I went to college because I wanted to help fight against security dilemmas, hence why I studied cybersecurity.
5. Scholarship Opportunity
Research scholarship opportunities at the college. How generous are they, will they give more aid when needed?
If the selected school doesn’t provide enough scholarships, there are external scholarships and grants to apply to. However, some have eligibility requirements.
Below is a list of scholarships to apply to:
- Bold.org
- Fastweb
- Collegeboard
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson’s
- Scholly7
- Sallie Mae
- Unigo
- Niche
- CollegeScholarships.org
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6. Location
I’m sure you don’t want a school in the middle of nowhere lol. Research about the city and state; accessibility to convenience stores, airports; sightseeing, and attraction sites.
Learn about the state laws; driving rules if you plan to drive; and how safe the surrounding neighborhood is.
7. Demography
Do you care about diversity and learning about different cultures and backgrounds? I think exposure to a very diverse school can open your eyes to different perspectives of life. It promotes teamwork, friendship, a sense of belonging, and a community. It also prepares you for the real world because you interact with different personalities.
8. Reputation
What is the school’s history and recognition? You want to know what you’re getting into as you’ll be associating yourself with the school. Anywhere you go, you represent the school and what it stands for.
9. Acceptance & Retention Rate
How easy or hard is it to get accepted into the college?
After getting accepted into the university, how’s the retention rate? Do a lot of students stay after their first or second year or do they leave? That says a lot about the school – how they treat their students.
10. Graduation ROI
After graduation, what’s the number of students that get jobs? Are the numbers high or low? Does the school have great partnerships with good companies that recruit its students for jobs? After all, you went to school to get a job right?
As I mentioned earlier, this list is by no means an extensive guide to choosing a college that’s right for you! It’s a starting point to help you make your decision.
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