Choosing a college is probably one of the biggest decisions you have had to make at this point in your life. College is more than just a school you have to attend for a few years or just a place to study. It is the place where you will grow into the career of your dreams, build a network, and grow into young adulthood. It can be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of options. So here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the college that best works for you. 

Financial reality

We’ve all heard the horror stories of our parents or the adults around us still paying off their college debts while being in their 50s. To avoid this, you must look past the sticker price and ask yourself if it is really worth it to go into this much debt for one specific school.

• The aid factor: You’re not alone when it comes to paying for your college debt. Look for merit scholarships offered by the college and private scholarships. There are so many scholarships that go unused because people are unaware or don’t think they have a chance, so why apply? Look for scholarships offered by businesses-  places like Starbucks and Taco Bell offer really good scholarships. There are also student loans, which can become a big help when you need them, but do what you can before applying for one, because it should be your last option. 
• The Paperwork: Stay ahead of the game by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as possible to see what federal grants and work-study programs you qualify for.
• The Long Game: Use a Net Price Calculator (available on every college website) to see what your actual out-of-pocket cost will be.

 Location & Lifestyle: Where will you find the most successful version of yourself? 

Location isn’t just about the weather; it’s about your comfort zone.

• Distance from home:  Do you want the safety net of being able to drive home for a Sunday dinner, or are you ready to “adventure out” to a completely new time zone? 
• Dorm Life: If you go far, your dorm and roommate become your primary support system. If you stay local, will you miss out on the “campus experience” of staying in a dorm with friends or a Greek house? But one has to ask oneself, do they want the “campus experience”? 

Academic Alignment: Small Pond or Big Ocean?

A school might be famous, but is it famous for your major?

• The “Major” Test: Check the stats for your specific major. Does the school invest in the labs, equipment, or have internships or connections with jobs related to what you want to do?
• Classroom Size: Do you learn best in a 300-person lecture hall where you can stay anonymous, or do you need a small, 15-person seminar where the professor knows your name? What you will answer will correspond with your wanting a big school or a small school. 
• The Credentials: One thing that many students forget to look into or even think about is accreditation for their college. Make sure to always verify that the college is nationally accredited. High graduation rates and strong job-placement stats for your specific major are the best indicators that the school is a “win.”

 The Social “Glue”: Clubs, Sports and Greek Life

College is hard; having a community makes it easier. To help your transition, look for the “glue” that will hold your social life together.

• Get Involved: Whether it’s joining a sorority or fraternity, playing an intramural sport, or joining a niche hobby club, these activities are where you make your lifelong friends.
• The Culture: When you visit, look at the students. Do they seem like people you want to hang out with? A school’s “vibe” is often just as important as its curriculum.

The Bottom Line

Don’t choose a school just because your friends are going there, or because it has a famous football team. The best-fitting college is the one where you can afford to graduate, feel at home in your dorm, and where you are in your journey to get the specific degree that launches your career.