Choosing a College

Selecting a school is a major decision. You will want to base your choice on careful research and decide which school is right for you. After all, you will be spending a lot of time and money while earning your degree. Some of your best sources of information are close at hand. Talk to high school counselors, college admission offices, a friend attending college, parents and relatives.

Attend college/career fairs in your local area. Representatives from various public, private, community, trade and vocational colleges will be there to answer your questions and provide you with information. Check out schools you haven’t heard of to see what they have to offer.

Some things to consider when choosing a school:

Does it have the major I'm interested in?
Do I want a small or large campus?
Do I want to be close to home?
What are the costs and average student debt?
What is the student-to-professor ratio?
What is the job placement rate?
What is the school’s graduation rate?

Find the Right School

Check out Regional College/University Information to find out more about schools in our region.

To search for schools nationwide you may want to visit College Opportunities Online Locator (COOL). This site, created by The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), allows users to see and even complete side-by-side comparisons of nearly 7,000 colleges and universities throughout the nation. You can search by state, program or major, and institution type to identify schools that fit your preferences. The site also provides detailed information about each school like how much it costs, how many students are enrolled and what athletic programs are available.

Make a Campus Visit

The best way to really learn about a college is to make a campus visit while school is in session. By being on campus you can get a feel of the students, quality of academics, activities, facilities and surrounding community. All these things can help you decide if it is the right school for YOU!