If you’re thinking about attending a university, there are a lot of choices available. Choosing the right college could mean the difference between graduating and then finding a good job or dropping out in discouragement.
Bashar Hanna, Award-Winning University Administrator asserts that picking the right college is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, so choose rashly. Learn as much as you can about each school you’re considering before making that first tuition payment. Here are some questions to ask when choosing a university.
1. How Much Will a University Cost?
The cost of the university should be a big factor in which one you choose. You don’t want to wind up with a degree and drowning in debt, so look at what each college charges. Tuition expenses are a big consideration, but you should also think about the cost of living in the town in which the school is located.
Other factors to consider include the cost of housing. Can you save money by sharing an apartment with others or do you have to live in a dormitory for the first year? Also, take into consideration how much you might spend on groceries or meals as well as the costs of traveling home during the holidays.
2. What Programs Does a University Offer?
Another important consideration is the different programs each university offers. What colleges offer the fields of study you’re interested in? Are people who graduate in those fields able to find good-paying jobs once they graduate? Earning a degree in Latin might be an interesting field of study, but it won’t do you much good if you can’t find a decent job later on.
3. What’s the University’s Graduation Rate?
Generally, the better a university is, the higher the graduation rate will be, so keep that in mind as well. Remember, however, that some colleges screen those who apply to make sure only those students who have a good chance of graduating are allowed to attend. Colleges with an open admission program, on the other hand, will have more students who drop out.
4. Is Funding Available at That University?
College is expensive, so apply for as many scholarships as you can. Check to see if you can qualify for financial aid. Schools publish the average amount of money attending students can receive in grants and loans so find out how much you can expect to receive. Don’t enroll in a college you can’t afford. Graduating with a large amount of debt could put you on the road to financial disaster.
5. Will the University’s Career Services Get You a Job?
Check with a college’s career services division and see if the department offers academic advising along with help preparing a resume. Does the university offer job fairs? You want a college that will not only provide you with an education but also support you in your job search.
Finding the right college can be a bewildering experience, but by asking the right …