College is expensive! Costs are up more than 1100% over the last 30 years. It is no wonder you want your kids to go to the best school possible. You want the best value for your money. But are college ranking systems the only way to determine which schools your child should be applying to? Here are a few things to look for that go beyond the college ranking system.
Can You Get In?
The admission rate of a school is an important consideration. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to apply to the school you want, even if it means a high chance of getting a rejection letter. But you need to be sure that at least one or two of the schools on your list are reasonably within reach so you don’t end up with a stack of rejection letters and no acceptances.
Graduation Rate
The only thing more important than getting in when it comes to college selection is whether or not you can get out with a degree. Spending all that money and having nothing to show for it isn’t an option. Graduation rate can tell you a lot about how an institution takes care of its students.
Do Graduates Find Jobs Out of School?
When a student finally does graduate, especially if student loans are involved, income needs to start coming in immediately. How good is the university at helping place graduates in jobs? How prized are degrees from this particular university in the student’s chosen job field?
What Is Campus Like?
From the quality of the staff to the quality of the living quarters, you want your hard-earned money to go toward an environment that is conducive to learning. Smaller classrooms, safe living conditions, and the right availability of classes are all vital elements of choosing a school.
More Help in Selecting the Right College
College Planning Source is here to help you with all of your college planning needs. From choosing the right school to financing it without a lifetime of debt, our goal is to help your family enjoy a better college experience. Contact us today at 858.676.0700 to learn more.
