Your Guide to Going to College
Choosing which college or university to attend is a big decision. Make sure to consider these important factors!
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What to Consider When Choosing a College
Entering college can be an exciting chapter of your life, whether you’re commuting from home or living on campus. It’s an opportunity to explore new subjects, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and engage in various activities. Beyond the enriching experience, college graduates—those with associate or bachelor’s degrees—are statistically more likely to earn higher incomes compared to individuals with only a high school diploma.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a college that will be affordable, offers programs you’re passionate about, and fits your lifestyle. Balancing these factors can help ensure a fulfilling college experience that sets the stage for your future success.
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College is an investment in yourself and your future, but it doesn’t come cheap. Make a list of your interests and what career paths that could lead to. It may be helpful to research the earning and hiring potential of the majors you are interested in studying. Once you’ve done this, look at the colleges that offer programs in your areas of interest. Are those colleges in or out of state? What are their tuition, room and board, and meal plan costs?
Comparing your potential future salary versus the amount of student loans you may need to take out could help with your decision. Consider how long you would have to pay on your student loans for and the monthly payments.
You could also look for scholarships that might be available to help with the cost and reducing the amount of student loans you may have to take out.
College might not be the right path for everyone. If you already have a job or different career path you’re interested in that doesn’t require a college degree, it may not be worth spending the money and time to go. There are also alternatives like trade or cosmetology school that could be more aligned with someone’s interests and skills compared to a four year college. Furthermore, if you’re not sure what you want to study or do for a career path, it may be worth holding off on attending.
Some people might also not have the money to attend college and don’t want to potentially accrue a lot of debt from student loans. You could choose a different path that doesn’t require a degree or could work for a while to gain experience and save up money to attend college later. To save money, there could be the option to attend community college and transfer the credits to a four year university. You would need to check both schools requirements carefully to see if and what credits could potentially be transferred.
While the anticipation is thrilling, selecting the right college involves careful thought and planning. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:
- Cost: Evaluate tuition, housing, meal plans, and other fees.
- Programs Offered: Ensure the college provides the majors or minors you’re interested in studying.
- Reputation: Consider the college’s standing and credibility in your field of interest.
- Commute or Distance from Home: Think about whether you prefer to stay close to home or embrace a new location.
- Campus Environment and Size: Decide if you thrive in a large, bustling campus or a smaller, more intimate setting.
- Student Life: Look into extracurricular activities, clubs, and overall campus culture.
