Finding a School

Whether you’re just starting a full-time academic journey, considering a career change or pursuing education part-time, choosing a school that aligns with your goals, interests and circumstances is essential. As you navigate that process, try guiding your decision-making by focusing on what you know you want–and, just as importantly, what you know you don’t want.

What Are You Looking For?

Before you start on the path to higher education, it’s good to know what you want. If there’s ever a time to get into the nitty-gritty details, it’s right now — starting with questions like these.

What Gets You Going?

Are you passionate about a certain subject, like math or literature? Or are you big into extracurriculars, like music or sports?

What’s Your Plan?

Do you want to attend a school that specializes in specific fields like art or engineering? Or are you looking for a place where you can explore your options?

What’s Your Ideal Location?

Dreaming of big-city lights or wide-open spaces? A large public university where there’s always something new going on or a small private college where you’re on a first-name basis with everyone on campus?

What Do You Want Out of College?

A way out of your hometown or a way to stay close by? A school that looks great on a resume? A campus with immaculate vibes?

What Works for You?

Can you do full-time student mode for four years, or do you need some flexibility for work, hobbies or family? Is a part-time program more your speed? And, just as important, what’s your budget?

Setting Goals

Another critical step on the path to higher education is to give yourself a road map — a few clear, achievable goals for your education and future endeavors.

Start with the application process. Maybe you want to find a college with an outstanding engineering department or a university with a robust study abroad program. After thinking about the questions above, you might have a couple of ideas to help you narrow down a list of schools you want to investigate — from “reaches” to “safeties”.

Those ideas will come in handy even when you get into your school of choice. They’re a great way to get some clarity with a variety of other important decisions once you’re enrolled — from the classes and extracurricular activities you take to the internships you pursue, to the major you graduate with. Even if you have to adjust your plan a couple of times, you’ll never regret having one.

Why Your School Choice Matters

Choosing a school isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Every institution will offer you different opportunities and have its own pros and cons. As you weigh your options, try considering the following factors:

Future Impact

What a school can do for you, like the clout it can add to your resume, its alumni network and its postgraduate job placement numbers.

Goal Alignment

How a school can help you reach your goals, from majors and departments that relate to your career objectives to the opportunities you’ll have to stand out during your time on campus and beyond.

Personal Fit

How a school feels in terms of its location, vibes and more. There’s a big difference between a rural college where everyone knows everyone and a big-city university where you might meet someone new every day.

Financial Considerations

All things money: whether a school is public or private, the cost of tuition, average rent for off-campus housing, and any relevant financial aid programs.

Education Options Available to You

If it’s not already clear by now, we’ll say it again: You’ve got a lot of options here, and all of them are good. If any of the themes we’ve discussed so far have grabbed your eye, and you want to learn more, explore the list below.

Four-Year Schools

Colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees in a range of academic subjects.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

A military officer training program that offers leadership development and scholarship opportunities at over 1,700 schools.

Service Academies

Highly selective military schools that offer undergraduate education and training to serve as an officer.

Two-Year Schools

Colleges that offer associate degrees and certificates as pathways to four-year degrees or more immediate employment.

Trade Schools

Vocational institutions that provide practical, hands-on specialized training and certifications for specific skilled trades or technical careers.

Taking the Next Step

Wherever your path leads, we’re here to help you make the best choice for you, and we’ve got several resources to steer you in the right direction.

Pathfinder Quiz

Want to get a better sense of your strengths and interests — and the paths they might open up for you? Find out by taking our quiz. It’s short, we promise!

School Finder

Feeling overwhelmed with options? Our school search tool makes it easy to narrow down your choices. Cut through the noise and find schools that best suit your needs and goals.

School Preparation Resources

Gearing up to apply to colleges? From what to look for during a campus tour to advice on interview prep and financial aid, we’ve got all the resources to help you arrive, and thrive, at the school of your dreams.