There are nearly 19.7 million students <\/a>enrolled in public universities in the United States, and another 5.1 million attending private institutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some colleges specialize in specific career paths<\/a> and technical careers, while other colleges and universities offer various higher learning classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n1. Choosing a College Major<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First of all, realize that nothing in life is set in stone. The career you choose now or in university may not be the job you retire from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that pressure out of the way, let’s look at what you should consider when selecting a major and how to pick a college that suits you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by evaluating your hobbies and interests<\/a>, as well as your passions<\/a>. Do you love the written word? Are video games and code your passion? Or do the STEM disciplines get you out the door to school every morning? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-reflection is key to choosing a university and choosing a major<\/a>. Also, consider how long you want to attend higher education for. Pursuits like<\/a> the law and medicine require a four-year degree before you even enter a post-graduate degree program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other degrees, like nursing or engineering, take specialized internships<\/a> or practicums. Even many teaching careers require a master’s degree within the first few years of practice. If they don’t require a post-graduate degree, you may need one to get paid at a higher rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: What is a College Minor? An Introduction & How to Declare a Minor at Uni<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. The Price Is Right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Higher education is astronomically expensive, and these prices have only accelerated over the last decade. Per year, the average cost<\/a> of a public college and university is $23,290 for in-state tuition and $40,940 for out of state. The average tuition for a private college is $50,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Granted, the sheer number of low-wage, service, and commission-only positions pull that salary range<\/a> downward. Still, few college graduates will escape a significant debt when leaving school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Save Money in College: 15+ Easy Ways w\/ Tips & Advice for 2021<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Financial Aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you’ve already been accepted into a few colleges, take a hard look at the school’s financial aid proposals. Speak to your parents about how your family will need to manage the tuition bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the colleges if they offer other ways to help pay for the school, like student-work programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, weigh the prospective salary for the career your training for. Look at how much you can expect to make (and in which state) over the first 2 to 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you mix these figures with the financial aid packages, are you in a good position to pay off the debt, and when?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Money matters, so weigh these financial aid packages carefully when choosing a college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: Scholarships 101: Everything Students Need to Know About Getting a Scholarship<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Go Big or Go Home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From classroom size to campus life, the size of the school you attend has a big impact on your education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A small, private school is typically only about 5,000 students. Medium schools run anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000. The largest public schools in the United States and have more than 15,000 students enrolled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these medium and large schools, you will be a number to a certain extent. That doesn’t mean that you won’t be treated fairly by the college or university, but you will need to self-advocate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, large schools offer something that small schools don’t \u2014 a robust campus life. Fraternities, academic clubs, athletic leagues, world-class research facilities, theaters, concerts, and various cultural programs are all a part of the big school experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, big schools have a wealth of majors to choose from if you are still undecided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, smaller schools often offer better-personalized instruction. This can be very useful who students who don’t want to sit in massive lecture halls. Students at these smaller schools get to know their professors and get an education tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is also true of the student body. Expect to know many people in your class and to see familiar faces at sporting events. A smaller school can fill a community void that a larger school sometimes can’t match. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25 Best Apps for College Students: Productivity, Studying, Learning & More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Are Academics Everything? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many jobs, especially those in public service, require you to state your GPA<\/a> on job applications. This is also true for graduate schools. So, yes, your overall academic performance is crucial to your college search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, academics is not all that colleges offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Prepare for College: 13 Tips for Freshman Success at University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Location, Location, Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are you sick of the cold? Looking to ski the Rockies? Want to live in a picturesque New England town?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The location of your school factors into campus culture and the price tag. As we stated above, where your school lives could impact your living expenses and what you can do on your downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’ll impact how much you pay for housing and what cultural events you can attend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Florida, for instance, you’re never more than 60 miles from the beach \u2014 anywhere in the state! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: Should I Go to College? Here Are 8 Benefits of University Education<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Can You Get It? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The last factor you need to consider when selecting the right college is whether you will pass muster. Call the school directly and ask to speak to an admissions counselor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask how much the school’s admissions process weighs your academics, your personal traits and interests, and your ability to pay. Inquire about their campus, graduation rates, and resources available to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might be surprised how one of your traits gives you an edge in the admissions process, even in schools with rigorous academic standards for new admissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Pay for College: Ways to Afford University w\/o Expensive Loans<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Your Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learning how to choose a college is no simple task, so don’t rush. Take all the time you need to make this life-altering decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask for advice from your parents, friends, family, and even network acquaintances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need to revisit the school to make your final decision, take the time to do so. You won’t be sorry for giving yourself some room to ponder this big decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Build Resilience (and Sustain It!) in 5 Easy Steps<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"