4 Things to Consider When Choosing a College

If you are thinking about entering college for the first time, or if you are planning on returning back to school, you really should choose a learning institution that concentrates in the field of your desired career major.  Keep in mind that some schools are favorably recognized for providing a quality education and for its selection of degree programs and thus meet the needs of prospective students more than others. There are so many colleges to choose from, but you will need to apply to an accredited college that offers a degree or certificate in your desired discipline. You should also take into account the cost of your education and the distance you will need to travel as well. Finding any college is easy but selecting the most suitable college will take time and thorough research. Here are beneficial tips for choosing a college that is right for you.

Your major
 



1. What are you planning to major in?  This is important in that you want to make sure that you apply to a school that offers a degree program in your area of interest. In other words, your major will help you decide which college(s) you should apply to. And this is true for getting a certificate or other documentation that shows that you have completed the required coursework and/or credit hours in a specific discipline.  For example, if you are pursuing a nursing career, you should choose a reputable school that is has a good reputation for its nursing degree program and so on… You can go to www.colleges.com to find a college.  After you locate your college, click on the site to find out the cost, degree programs, location, etc.

Tuition expenses


2. An important aspect in selecting a school is the tuition cost. How much can you afford to pay out-of-pocket for your education?   
 How much will you need to borrow?  Does your company offer tuition reimbursement benefit?  Will you receive any scholarships? Are you eligible to receive financial aid to help defray the cost of your tuition expenses? You can apply for FAFSA online to find out what you qualify for at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ One thing to keep in mind is that private colleges are usually more expensive than State colleges.  You can go directly to the college website to find out the cost.  Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your books, the application processing fee, and other expenses.


Community college or university
3. If you are a senior in high school and plan on going away to school you will need to begin searching for a college early on. As an incoming freshman you can either choose to attend a community college or a university.  If you plan to live on campus, keep in mind that room and board will drive up the cost of your expenses considerably. You can actually attend school in another state but can register as an off-campus student if you have the option to reside in affordable housing in the area. You can also attend a community college for two years and get your associates degree. Many students find that it’s more affordable to attend a community college for their freshman and sophomore years. Community colleges are less expensive than universities because for one, you don’t have to pay room and board and second, the cost of your classes will be much cheaper. In addition, you will be able to transfer your general education courses and/or your two-year degree to a university should you decide to continue your education. These are the same classes that you would be required to take at a university anyway.  Just make sure that you select a university that offers a bachelor’s degree program that coincides with your area of interest and that will accept your classes and/or associates degree. 

Distance
4. Another determining factor in choosing a college is the location. If you plan to live on campus, travel won’t be an issue.  But if not, try to choose a school that is conveniently located for you to get to.  Some students work full-time during the day and go directly to school evening classes afterward, in this case it’s best to choose a school that is close enough to your job that you can be on time for your classes, especially if you rely on public transportation. And the same goes if you leave from your home to travel to school by car. Some employers will accommodate their employees by allowing them to leave work early on school nights and/or work flex hours. Now in the event you find several good schools that offer your major and degree program, you should choose a school that it convenient to get to and is most affordable.  Also, for your convenience, most schools offer on-line classes, too. This is something you might want to consider, especially if you work full-time.