Process
Finding the right college is a little like finding the perfect house. Your child — and you — will know it when you see it. The right college ticks all the boxes and just feels like a good fit. But there are thousands of colleges out there and you can’t reasonably be expected to visit more than a few. So how can you and your child narrow the search?

Start with the understanding that the search for the right college for your high schooler should be a collaborative effort between your child and you. Then decide on a framework for assessing whether or not the college meets certain agreed-upon standards and goals. That framework could include the following criteria: location, size, academic programs, student life, retention and graduation rates, and cost. The choice, ultimately, will fall on your child. But, since you may be financing part or all of the cost, your opinion matters too.
“Location, Location, Location”
What’s the priority: an urban, suburban, or rural setting? A big city or a small town? Would small town or suburban life drive your child crazy? Your child may have some ideas about how near or how far he or she wants to be from parents and home. During your conversations with your high schooler, you’ll want to keep finances in mind. For instance, traveling long distances to and from home can be costly. If your child intends to work part time, some locations offer better opportunities for part-time work than others.
Size of the College
You can narrow down the number of colleges you’ll need to visit if you clarify well ahead of time what size college will best suit your child’s personality, interests, and learning style. Some students prefer the more intimate feel of a small college, one that may offer smaller classes and more frequent contact with professors and instructors. Others prefer a big campus, large student body, and lots of extracurricular activities. In assessing what size college is right, you and your child should keep in mind that large colleges may be able to offer a wider variety of majors and more extensive resources than smaller schools.
Academic Programs
What field of study is your child interested in? If your child has expressed a clear preference for a particular discipline, you can narrow your search to those schools that have established, well-regarded programs in that particular field. If your child is undecided, then it may make sense to consider a local community college. You should be aware that larger schools, especially state schools, with graduate programs will likely have graduate students teaching freshman and sophomore classes or conducting labs. That can be a consideration if your child hopes to work closely with professors who are known in their field.
Quality of Student Life
Will there be opportunities for your child to grow and mature outside the academic environment? Check to see what campus organizations are active in the colleges your child is interested in. A college with a wide range of athletic clubs and social activities may be preferable if your child is outgoing and social. The quality of student housing and food services are other factors your child should consider. For the most accurate view of campus life, schedule your visit when classes are in session and students are on campus. If possible, consider an overnight stay for a real taste of the college experience.
Retention and Graduation Rates
A college’s retention rate tells you the percentage of freshmen who return for their sophomore year. Graduation rates are a measure of the percentage of students who enter as freshmen and stay on to graduate. Each statistic provides a valuable insight into how well a particular college meets the needs of its student body.
The Price Tag
A four-year college education is expensive — irrespective of whether your child attends a state school or a private one. The College Board reported that the average in-state tuition, fees, and room and board at a four-year public college was $21,950 for the 2019-2020 school year and $49,870 for four years at a private college. However, colleges typically offer scholarships or discounted tuition rates for students who are high achievers academically or distinguish themselves in sports, the arts, music or other field. Grants and work-study programs can also help reduce the final price tag of a college education.

Your child is embarking on an exciting and life-changing adventure. While the college selection process can be time consuming and stressful, you can make it easier by doing your homework and honing the criteria your child considers deal makers and deal breakers.
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