If you have decided to pursue a degree program, you’ve made a smart choice for your future. However, it can be confusing trying to decide which college you should attend. Here are 10 factors to evaluate as you consider options:
- Accreditation: Look for a college that is accredited. Accreditation means you’ll be able to take advantage of federal financial aid, obtain employer tuition reimbursement (if your employer offers it), and have better job prospects after graduation.
- Employment prospects after graduation: Evaluate the college’s graduation placement rate. How likely is it that you will be able to get a job in your chosen field within six months after graduation? Consider how well-connected the college is to the business community.
- Location and environment: Let’s face it, you will be spending a lot of time at the college you choose. You should visit prospective colleges to get a feel for the size and layout. Some students thrive in a large college environment while others prefer smaller colleges. You should also consider how convenient the school’s location is, especially if you will be working while pursuing your degree.
- Quality of faculty: Look for a college that recognizes the importance of hiring faculty who truly understand and have real-world experience in their chosen fields. When you’re able to learn from people who have been in, and are connected to, the industry you want to get into, you’ll be better prepared to enter the workforce after graduating.
- Academic support: Choose a college that offers student support services designed to help students succeed. Also consider the student-to-faculty ratio. There can be tremendous benefit in choosing a college with smaller class sizes, because you’ll have a greater opportunity to learn.
- Cost and financial aid availability: Consider what your degree will cost you. College tuition and fees can vary greatly from one institution to the next, so confirm what the price tag will be before making a decision. You should also evaluate your options for paying for college. Find out what type of financial aid the college offers, and what percentage of students receive aid to help cover the cost.
- Hands-on learning opportunities: Similarly, consider how the college approaches teaching coursework in the program you want to pursue. Earning credits entirely through classroom lectures can give you the basic knowledge you need, but you might struggle figuring out how to apply that knowledge when you get your first job after graduation. Look for a college that offers hands-on learning — including internship and externship opportunities.
- Program flexibility: You should also consider how flexible, or inflexible, the college is when it comes to earning your degree. This is particularly important for busy adults who have other work and family commitments. Some colleges, including Generations College, offer students the opportunity to earn their degrees entirely through online learning, as well as offering classes at times that are more convenient for working adults.
- Diversity and inclusion: Is the school you are considering committed to attracting and retaining students and faculty from diverse backgrounds? Choosing a college that is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion can give you the opportunity to learn more from your fellow students.
- Extracurricular activities: Finally, remember that your college experience should be about more than just the classes you need to earn your degree. Consider the number and types of student activities, clubs and organizations the college offers.
There is no one-size-fits-all college solution, but evaluating these factors can help narrow your choices so you can take the next step toward your future. To learn more about Generations College and to explore our degree programs, call (312) 922-1884 today.