College is an essential rite of passage as you journey towards your professional goals. Yet, the college selection process can be tiring and stressful. Whether you search for alumni reviews online or take campus tours, the volume of information that you have to process is overwhelming. To simplify the process, here are ten major factors to consider.
1. Programs
If you already have a career in mind, be sure to choose a school that offers a major that will set you on the path to success. However, if you are unsure about what your academic goals are, you should choose a college that offers a wide range of majors to give you room to explore. Certain colleges are geared towards specific programs. For instance, some colleges are known for their STEM majors while others focus on the arts. Use your abilities and interests to guide you on which college to choose.
2. Overall Cost
Public colleges have much lower tuition fees than private colleges. According to U.S. News, the average cost of college for the 2021-2022 academic year is $10,338 for a public, in-state college compared to $38,185 for a private college. Over four years, the difference in cost is significant. On top of tuition, you will need to consider transportation, accommodation, books, and other course supplies. If you have a limited budget, you must choose a college that you can afford.
3. Scholarships
One way to cover a portion of your tuition fees is to apply for grants, scholarships, or work-study positions. Some schools have more opportunities and more substantial financial aid packages than others. In addition, certain colleges have athletic scholarship programs to help students who excel in sports. Therefore, the likelihood of receiving a grant or scholarship is another deciding factor when choosing a college.
4. Acceptance Rates
Unless your SAT scores sit in the top one percent, a college’s acceptance rate is an important consideration. The lower a school’s acceptance rate, the more likely you are to have your application rejected. Use a college comparison site such as Authority.org to find out college acceptance rates and the expected range of SAT and ACT scores. If you think your chances of admission to a college are low, be sure to apply to another college with a higher acceptance rate just in case.
5. Campus Location
Campus location is central to determining the overall cost of your college education. An in-state college will cost you less in tuition fees. Furthermore, you can save on transportation and accommodation if the campus is close to your home. If you want to experience dormitory life or if your college campus is too far away for a daily commute, you will need to budget for room and board on or close to your campus.
6. Campus Facilities
Small colleges can be more intimate while larger colleges can have a better range of facilities. If you are pursuing a major that requires facilities such as modern research laboratories, extensive libraries, or state-of-the-art computer software, then you may need to head to a more established school with a bigger facilities budget. Some colleges also have impressive sports and recreational facilities such as bouldering walls and aquatic centers.
7. Campus Culture
Campus culture varies from college to college. Some students consider joining a sorority or fraternity an essential part of the college experience. If Greek life is important to you, be sure to apply to a school that has active Greek organizations. Greek life can also affect your housing options and corresponding costs. Outside of sororities or fraternities, some colleges boast an array of extracurricular, special interest, and social activities to enrich your college experience.
8. Diversity
When choosing a college, you should select one that will allow for personal growth. Higher education should not merely be academic but also expand your social and emotional intelligence. To grow, you need to be in an environment that is challenging and out of your comfort bubble. A good way to determine if your prospective college is going to help you to grow is to examine its diversity. If the student body and faculty are multicultural and multinational, you are more likely to learn from other perspectives and gain a broader world view.
9. Student Support
College life can be overwhelming. Some colleges provide more support to students than others. For instance, a smaller college with fewer students can allow to you have more one-on-one time with your tutors and professors. Meanwhile, a larger college may have free medical clinics on-campus. Check if your prospective college has mental health support and counseling services to help you address emotional challenges.
10. Career Opportunities
A good college should have a career guidance center to guide you in finding your ideal career path. Part of their services should include helping you draft professional resumes and cover letters. Some colleges can assist you in securing valuable internships or work experience opportunities to give you a head start in your chosen field. Lastly, a strong alumni support network can enable you to connect with potential employers upon graduation.