Choosing the right college can seem daunting for students wanting to pursue higher education. With so many resources available, it can be difficult to determine which college is best suited to help individuals reach their goals. Over the years, prospective students have used national college rankings as a tool to inform their decision-making. Recently, these national rankings have fallen out of favor as many colleges push back on the criteria the ranking organizations use.
As university leaders who have worked with college enrollment over the past decade, we have observed a few key elements that are helpful for students and their families as they embark on the college selection journey. Here are some questions we encourage future students to ask:
Do the schools I am considering offer the programs or degrees I’m interested in?
Not all colleges and universities offer the same programs. If you have a specific program in mind, check the institution’s website to ensure the program is provided.
How likely am I to get into my preferred school(s)?
Review the admissions requirements to get into the schools you are considering. Some universities, like UVU, are open admissions, meaning anyone can attend. Others are highly selective and base admissions on previous GPAs, ACT/SAT scores, and extracurricular activities. Take some time to review admission requirements to determine which school is the best fit.
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition cost varies widely from institution to institution. Tuition at four-year public universities will be different from tuition at private institutions. Often, university tuition will be higher than community colleges and even different from regional universities.
Fortunately, for years, institutions across Utah have committed to keeping tuition low. For example, tuition at UVU is approximately $6,000 a year — much lower than the national average, topping over $9,000.
What is the best learning environment for you?
Take some time to research different aspects of the school. For example, what is the average class size? What connection will you have with your faculty? How engaging is the curriculum? Will you have opportunities to interact with other students and enhance your learning experience? Be sure to find a school where you can learn in a comfortable and enriching environment.
While there are many other factors to consider, we have found these are some of the most essential items prospective students should keep in mind. Review campus websites, talk to friends and family, and schedule a campus tour. This is an important choice, so be sure to do your homework!
(Andrew Stone)
Andrew Stone, Ph.D., is the associate vice president of student experience and enrollment management at Utah Valley University.
(Jay Drowns | UVU Marketing) Michelle Kearns Utah Valley University staff from the Student Success and Retention office pose for portraits in the Photo Studio on the UVU Campus, Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Michelle Kearns, Ed.D., is the vice president of student affairs at Utah Valley University.
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