Factors to Consider When Choosing a College or University to Attend

The next few months will be important for seniors as they decide what to do with the next few years of their lives. Those pursuing a college degree will have to consider many factors when deciding on which college to attend.

Cost, location, and class size are just a few factors one should consider when selecting where to spend the next four years of their lives.

Feb. 24, 2025

By Sofia Timpone

As Spring rolls around and college acceptances trickle in, it’s time for seniors to begin thinking about where they want to spend the next four years. There are many factors to consider when making this important decision. Some people may prioritize the financial aspect, while others might look towards the quality of education for their chosen major. Every student is different and choosing a college that supports your personal goals and needs is extremely important. This article will cover the various factors to take into consideration when choosing a college.

Cost

Tuition prices are essential to understand when deciding whether or not to attend a college or university over another. Prices have been rising steadily over the past few decades, and student debt has become a serious issue. Student loans are an option for students who aren’t able to afford the full tuition out of pocket, but they must also consider the long term implications of the decision. The average tuition price at public universities has risen by 141 percent in the last 20 years, burdening families all over the country, and, in 2024, the average federal student loan debt was 38,375 dollars. It often takes students years to pay off their debts.

National student debt has been steadily increasing since 2006. Graph courtesy of Education Data Initiative

This shouldn’t discourage students from seeking help from banks, however. In fact, more than 60 percent of students who graduated in 2019 took out student loans. Taking out loans can be beneficial as long as they are paid off in a timely manner. Doing this can help students build their credit scores, which can be important for students seeking to make big investments in the future, such as buying a house or a car. 

In the end, it’s important for each student to talk to their parents about the best way to pay for their education. 

Academics

Academics are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a university to attend, as it will dictate your experience as a student and will affect your life and job search. It’s essential that proper research is conducted on each school’s programs, especially the ones relating to your chosen major. Some factors you might consider include the faculty and professors involved in your area of study, the resources and opportunities available, and the career readiness support offered. These are all areas that should be investigated before choosing a university, as professors, resources, and career support are all essential for creating success in your field.

Location

Many factors need to be considered within this category. Students should consider the school’s setting (whether its urban, suburban or rural), the state it is located in (which can affect costs) and whether or not they want to stay close to home. 

Experts suggest that students consider their surroundings before deciding whether or not to attend a school. If a student is set on a major, they might consider surrounding themselves with companies that might provide them opportunities upon graduation. For example, a student looking to break into the tech industry might look for a great tech school in California and near Silicon Valley. Living in an area concentrated with businesses and networking opportunities can be helpful during and after college. 

The location of a college can also severely impact a student’s tuition. According to a study conducted in 2021 by Harvard University, the Northeast region of the United States has the highest tuition prices for in and out of state students. The Midwest has the second highest tuition rates, while the West and the South had the lowest. 

Average cost of college tuition varies in different regions in the U.S. Graph courtesy of International Socioeconomics Laboratory

Another factor to consider is the varying costs of in-state versus out of state schools. Public state schools are typically less expensive than out of state schools for students who live in that state. For this reason, some students opt for attending their local state school.

School Size

School size can not only impact a student’s social interactions, but also their experiences in class. Smaller schools often allow students the ability to forge meaningful connections with their peers and professors, as class sizes are typically smaller. In larger schools, freshmen can find themselves in lecture-style classes with more than 100 students. However, larger schools also provide more extracurricular activities and sports opportunities compared to their smaller counterparts. So, it is important for students to decide if they want individualized attention in their classes, or if they prefer the clubs and sports offered. 

It’s important to take into consideration various factors when choosing a college. A college should be financially feasible and also suitable for your needs as a student. In the U.S., you must enroll in your preferred university by May 1, so it's important to begin discussing this early on.