Findtuition.com

The prospect of starting the college search can be daunting. There are so many options. Do you opt for public or private? In your home state or farther away? Where your friends are going or somewhere on your own? You’ve probably already begun to receive brochures from many universities to aid you in your college search, but it’s also helpful to break down the pros and cons of your college options.

Public vs. Private
The overall college experience is not dictated by whether you attend a public or private university. Rather, the true difference lies in how they are funded. Public universities rely on the state budget, whereas private universities are funded more by tuition. For this reason, tuition rates are often higher at private universities. However, while this may seem like a turn-off, private universities often offer more generous college financial aid packages.

Out of State vs. In State
Just as private universities carry a heftier price tag than their public counterparts, you will often pay more as an out-of-state student than you would in state. This may be worthwhile, however, if you see yourself working and living in the out-of-state area once you’re finished with college. Attending college in this new location will broaden your experience overall. Many state schools also offer discounts to students in neighboring states, so that’s another option to consider.

Large Campus vs. Small
Another important factor to consider is whether you see yourself matriculating at a large university, such as the University of Michigan or Ohio State or at a smaller state school. Not surprisingly, larger universities often have larger class sizes, while smaller universities have smaller class sizes, offering more personal attention. On the other hand, you may find a wider range of classes and majors at a large university.

With Your Friends vs. On Your Own
It’s common for high school friends to attend the same university and possibly even share a dorm room. But you’ll need to consider whether attending the same university as your friends is important to you, or if you’d prefer to start with a clean slate and strike out on your own. It may be easier to reinvent yourself if you opt for a university where no one knows you.

Consider What You’d Like to Study
Even if you have no idea what you’ll choose as a college major, you probably at least have some sense of what interests you. If you’re stuck, make a list of interests and possible careers, then look for universities that would fit these needs. While many students end up transferring to a different university after their first year, you can avoid doing so with careful research and planning.

The college search can be overwhelming at times, but if you’re organized and know what you want from your college experience, you’ll find the process that much easier.