3 Steps To Creating a Solid College Search List

Whether you are a freshman in High School exploring your eventual options- or working adult looking to go back to school, there are some considerations to weigh when deciding what college is for you. Here we will explore 3 vital things to include on your “college search” list for your upcoming adventure on your educational path.

1. Location

To kick off our list, we will start with what is likely the most obvious of the 3. The location of the school you are planning to attend sets the stage for the rest of your life during the time period you go to school (and possibly beyond depending on what roots you decide to put down (or not.) Will you be going to school locally and living with your parents? Or are you employed locally and are not able or willing to give up your employment? Or are you open to a whole new adventure and hoping to spread your wings in a completely new area with a totally different vibe? Or maybe you want to stay in the same state for public school residency, but try a new city within? Or you could be eschewing on-campus education altogether and going for an online degree, in which case location likely won’t make one iota of a difference. These are all viable options that are a matter of personal taste and life circumstance- so consider location wisely.

2. Cost

With student loans being as readily available as they are, this one may or may not be top of mind from the getgo. However, if you will be responsible for your own educational costs (and realistically, even if you are not it is still wise and appropriate to be financially prudent and savvy), the cost of attending school and living costs associated should play a largely relevant role in your school choice. Are you looking at community college for your general ed classes and moving to a state school to keep costs down? Or is your program only specific to a few schools with higher costs? If you are enrolling in a program that is readily available at both private and public institutions, try to find a program that is priced as reasonably as possible. You will need to consider your income potential when choosing a school and program and make sure the cost of the education balances out with what you will be able to afford to pay back. And don’t rely on loan forgiveness. While it may be possible to have loans forgiven after 20-25 years, this isn’t the reality for most and 20-25 years is a long time- likely longer than most people reading this have even been alive.

3. Culture

Somewhat tied into location, but also very much it’s own consideration. When going to school, the people, attitudes, politics, and surroundings will be an ever constant staple in your day to day experience. If you are a freedom loving, tree hugging, go with the flow type- you may want to consider that a regimented, highly stat driven, rigid or highly conservative type school may not be a great fit for you. Or vice-versa. You will want to know about the culture going in and not be surprised by the fact later. The same holds true for the surrounding community as this is the place you will call home for the next several years. You will undoubtedly put down some roots wherever you are, at least for a short time, so it is best to be in a place that you gel with and feel connected to and can find like-minded people to share your time with.

After considering these major factors when choosing a College, your pool of options will likely narrow down substantially. When you have your short list ready, you will then start comparing other detailed factors that may be of significance to you. Most importantly, remember to visit your top choices in person to get a first-hand feel of the campus and community. While trips to visit can be burdensome, having to relocate your life multiple times because you don’t like where you are can be worse. Take your time and choose wisely!