How to Choose the Right College

Choosing the right college is likely one of the most challenging and important decisions that you will ever have to make.  Your choice of school will more than likely have a major impact on your future career and lifestyle, especially in regards to providing you with access to upwardly mobile employment opportunities. 

In the past, students traditionally chose schools based on their academic reputation and social opportunities, but in modern times, the rising cost of collegiate education has forced many students to consider tuition rates as a determining factor.

Due to the tough economic times we are currently facing, you will want to factor at least a few economical considerations into your decision for where you’ll attend school. Here are three of most important economic points to consider: 

1.       How Much You Pay: 

 Considering the costs of college tuition is essential to turning a positive return on investment for your college degree program. Attending a top Ivy League school may look great on paper, but the massive student loans you will likely accumulate have the potential to plague you for decades to come. 

Many schools are also currently making significant tuition hikes every year, and in some cases, every single semester. What may originally seem like a great deal may in fact become far pricier than expected. Look for schools and universities that provide a tuition guarantee, which means you’ll pay the same tuition each year, to reduce your risk of paying more out of pocket each year. 

Signing up with a school that provides a tuition guarantee will not only allow you to save money over time, but will also make it easier to set your projected annual budget since you know exactly how much you’ll spend each year on education costs.

2.       Where You Stay: 

Living in the dorms and on campus may seem like the most convenient accommodation option, but it can also prove to be quite pricey. Although your dream college may be several states away, it is often economically wiser to choose a college centered in a low-cost area. 

Living at home is another option for those of you looking to start college just out of high school. And even though your parents may drive you crazy while you’re in school, the money you save from living at home will help you avoid getting into too much debt, allowing you to enjoy your true days of freedom that come after you’ve completed your collegiate education. 

3.       How You Learn: 

Online degrees used to get a bad rap, but the recent advantages in online education and their money saving merits make them entirely worth the pursuit. Studying online is usually considerably cheaper than going to an in-class school and it also frees up a lot of time since you can set a flexible schedule for pursuing your college degree. 

Your commute time will be cut down, the gas bill won’t be as expensive, and with the added convenience of your online degree program allowing you to make your own hours, you could even continue working a full-time position while you work toward earning that degree. 

Online degrees are especially great for stay-at-home moms or for individuals who do not live in close proximity to excellent schools. Many online degrees are fully accredited as well, making them just as valid as a traditional degree, but you do need to shop around and vet multiple schools to make sure you don’t end up taking courses at a diploma mill.

When you make that all important decision on where to complete your degree program, consider these vital logistics and make sure to shop around to get the best deal. Keep an open mind to money saving alternatives and you’ll be better set for success when you move into the work force!