How to Choose a College

Imagine you're at your college graduation, reflecting on your time in school and preparing to step out into the world with your degree in hand. You have new plans, new connections and a newfound sense of confidence — and it all started with one question: Where should you go to college?

The answer won't be the same for everyone. It all depends on what you want and what you need to get there.

What is the Best Way to Choose a College?

To choose a college, you’ll need to do your research and make an informed decision based on what you value.

“The biggest thing I tell students is to start with what matters most to you, because choosing a college is really a personal decision,” said Jovani Zambrano, an undergraduate admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “That said, there are a few areas I always encourage people to think through.”

What Are the 5 Cs of College Choice?

If you’re unsure of where to start with your college decision, Zambrano recommended getting to know the 5 Cs of college choice:

1. Curriculum
2. Campus
3. Community
4. Career
5. Cost

These are all important considerations when choosing a college, but certain factors may matter more to you than others.

“Self-awareness is critical in selecting the right place for your education,” said Michael Wilhelm, another undergraduate admission counselor at SNHU. “Weigh the five Cs. You do not have to give them the same weight.”

Keeping that in mind, here's a closer look at each of the 5 Cs of college choice:

Curriculum: What Will You Study?

The first of the 5 Cs is curriculum, which refers to the range and quality of academic programs offered by a school, according to Lesley Sullivan, an admission counselor at SNHU with experience supporting both undergraduate and graduate students.

She said to be sure to choose an institutionally accredited school. “Accreditation is important to ensure the institution meets quality standards and will be recognized by other schools and employers,” she said.

Student support services are another consideration when looking at curriculum. “Academic support, such as advising, tutoring or other resources, can play a vital role in a student's success," Sullivan said.

And of course, it's also crucial to choose a school that offers the program that you’d like to study.

Read more: What Should I Major In? How to Choose Your College Major

Campus: Where Will You Be?

“When deciding on a campus, you want to consider campus size, facilities, amenities and living arrangements,” Zambrano said. “All of this can affect your college experience.”

New Yorker Deanne Wilson '24 said that New Hampshire seemed like a perfect place to earn her bachelor's in environmental science. “New Hampshire was always intriguing and the granite, you couldn't beat it,” Wilson said.

She decided to study on campus at SNHU and was a student athlete while she earned her degree, starting on the volleyball team as a freshman. “It really helped me push forward every year,” she said.

While making your choice, consider the location and the opportunities you'll have available on campus. Or, you might find that a campus experience isn’t the right fit for your life.

Is an Online Program Right for You?

Wilhelm noted that an online degree might be a more realistic choice for many students.

For Ashley Figueroa '23, who earned her bachelor's in computer science online at SNHU while serving in the U.S. Navy, studying online was the only way she could get her degree.

“I did six years in the Navy, and while I was serving I was able to complete my Bachelor of Science thanks to online learning,” Figueroa said.

She said her program was military-friendly and being online didn't mean she was on her own. “You are definitely not a number at SNHU, and I can attest to that because my (academic) advisor was probably the most monumental part of my education process,” Figueroa said.

Wilhelm said online learning is also a more flexible option for adult learners who have jobs and children.

“Very often, with children and all their activities that an adult may have to be responsible for taking them to, putting an in-person campus experience in the mix will not work,” Wilhelm said.

Consider what will work for you and your life when making your choice.

Read more: Picture an Online Degree at Your Own Pace

Community: What’s the Culture Like?

Consider what you want from your school. Are there clubs and events for online students? Are there opportunities to get leadership experience? Is the atmosphere welcoming and supportive?

Community can be just as important for online students as those studying on campus. Not every school offers the same experience, though, so you'll need to research.

“There is a difference working with people, being around people who actually want you to succeed, who want you to absorb this knowledge and do better with your life,” said Scott Jackson ‘22MBA, who earned his MBA from SNHU online and is now a member of SNHU’s alumni board. “And that's just the support that I had. Everyone was helpful, friendly and genuinely wanted you to win.”

Read more: How to Get Involved as an Online Student

Career: How Will You Find a Job?

At some schools, like SNHU, career advisors are available to help you every step of the way, before and after graduation. “Knowing what career services and resources a college offers can help you in the long run,” Zambrano said. 

Connecting with your school’s career team early in your program can be especially helpful, according to Jim Hurst ’23 ‘24MBA, who earned a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance from SNHU.

Hurst was working as a restaurant server when he first started his bachelor’s, and he said his online program prepared him for his career change. “I also took advice from the career department here at (SNHU), and I started applying to jobs in the banking industry,” he said.

Since then, Hurst said he’s continued advancing in finance and currently holds a role working in trusts at a law firm.

Read more: The Day 1 Advantage at SNHU: Career Support From the Start

Cost: Is It Affordable?

Cost is another important factor when it comes to your college choice, and that goes beyond tuition. “Cost refers to the total price to attend,” Wilhelm said. “This (...) would include tuition, room and board, how much financial aid is available and whether scholarships are an option.”

If you’re applying to multiple schools, you may want to consider application fees, as well.

“Does the school charge an application fee?” Wilhelm said. “If one wants to apply to several schools, this can get expensive if schools are charging applicants to apply.”

Read more: Choosing an Affordable Online College

What Feels Right to You? 

No matter what school you choose, it should be a choice that you're happy with. Consider the different types of colleges and universities you might attend and review the 5 Cs, but be sure that whatever you choose in the end feels right to you.

“Starting the process of researching schools, submitting applications and navigating funding can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to trust the process,” Sullivan said. “Ask questions, reach out for support and know that you’re not alone.”

In addition to researching and talking to an admission counselor, reaching out to graduates about their college experience can help you make your choice, too.

“If you know any alumni at a college you are considering, I suggest talking to them,” Wilhelm said. “I would ask them about the admissions process, how easy it is to apply for financial aid, and how transparent the procedures are when there is a problem.”

The more you learn about the schools you're considering, the better. But ultimately, it's your college experience, and it's your choice. “Remember that you are the best judge of what school is right for you,” Wilhelm said.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.