Seven Factors to Consider When Choosing Your College

Heading off to college marks an exciting new chapter in your life, one that’s filled with lots of big decisions. One of the biggest and most exciting? Where to go to school! According to Best Colleges, there are nearly 6,000 colleges and universities in the United States. That means you have a lot of exciting options to explore.

To help make your search easier, consider these seven things:

Tuition

Affordability is always a primary concern for students and parents alike, and factors like whether you’re paying out-of-pocket or taking out student loans are important considerations. Luckily, there are a lot of options available to help students finance their education. For example, many schools offer scholarships or personalized grants and loans to help make the cost of college more affordable.

At Herzing University, you will be assigned a financial aid advisor to talk about your personal options, because, let’s face it, everyone’s situation is different. A financial aid advisor can help you with your specific needs and help create a plan that makes the most sense for you. They’ll also be able to support you by providing information on student loans and scholarship opportunities that align with your goals.

Location

If you’re planning to take any classes in person, proximity to your classes is extremely important. If you live close to or even on campus, commuting may be a non-issue. But for those a bit further out, make sure your commute fits with your course schedule and other responsibilities — including if you need to balance a job or family obligations. Factors like weather, time of day, and cost should all be considered when choosing your preferred method of transportation to class. If location proves to be an obstacle, it may be best to explore online courses instead.

Accreditation

When choosing the right school for you, be sure to research the accreditation of each before enrolling. There are multiple types of accreditations, which means your path of entry into your chosen profession could be impacted by these differences. Make certain the college or university you’re trying to get into is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and each program they offer is also accredited by another agency (for example nursing programs are of quality if they are accredited by CCNE or ACEN).

Herzing University believes in complete and forthright disclosure for each program we offer, so we identify the programs that are accredited.

Flexible Schedule

Going to school full-time is not always an option for students. With busy schedules and demanding responsibilities, students should take a thorough look at their desired schedule before enrolling in a program. There are a variety of options, including day, evening, weekend, and online class schedules that can help you to create a schedule that best fits your life.

Class Sizes

Not everyone flourishes in the same environment. The size of your class can impact your focus in class and therefore affect your grades. Because of this, it’s important to evaluate the average class size of schools and compare that to your preferred learning environment. Some people discover that they love the atmosphere of a big school compared to small classrooms. However, smaller class sizes may offer the chance for more personalized learning and can give you greater access to your professors or instructors.

Programs Offered

It should go without saying that you should attend a school that offers the degree that you are interested in earning. However, it’s not always enough to have a school offer a program. You should research the program to see if it stands up nationally and more importantly, what is the school’s graduation rate and career services offered to help you achieve your dream.

Support

You deserve to be at a school that values you and cares about your development. Ensure that your potential school offers the support services that you may need throughout your educational journey. Tutoring, accommodations for students with disabilities, student scholarships and grants, guidance, job search assistance, and counseling support services should be considered when choosing a college or university.

With 11 ground campuses around the country and an expansive online curriculum, Herzing University is proud to offer flexible, accessible and impactful pathways for students looking to start a career in nursing, healthcare, technology, business, and a variety of related fields. Learn more about how you can get started today.