by Roshan Richards

Created on: February 06, 2009

It is undoubtedly one of the most significant choices we make in our lifetimes, and choosing a good "fit" in an institution of higher learning requires a bit more research and attention than deciding if we want sprinkles on our ice cream. Indeed, there are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the proper college or university for our needs. Following are the most significant factors to balance in each individual's situation to ensure he or she gets the best education for the time and money spent. These are in no particular order as each person's scenario will be weighted differently. Simply take this list and put it in the order of most importance for your needs.

1. Determine Where You Are. Does the soon to be college student know what he/she wants to do already? This is an important question to ask. If Susan already knows that she wants to be an ER surgeon then that goes a long way to determining what schools will work best, and that is those that have the highest rankings for pumping out ER doctors. If Jimmy has no idea what he wants to be when he grows up (most don't, as college students change their emphasis of study three times in their college careers ), then perhaps a junior or community college might be the perfect choice until that decision is made. Community colleges offer a lot by way of the various types of careers available today and at a much more acceptable price. Also, if a trade skill such as a career in technology is wanted, perhaps a tech school is all that is needed. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars more and a few more years at a major university if one can get IT training in two and be out making a living?

2. Follow The Money. Money obviously plays a major factor when choosing a university. There are few out there where money is no object. The trick, as stated before, is to get the best education for your buck. If there are three universities that specialize in your field of choice, determine if there is a major difference in the quality of graduate each of those institutions puts out. If they are comparable, then choose the one that will be the most cost effective. It is important to also look at the following: What do they offer by way of scholarships, grants, and loans? What do they offer by way of work-study programs? How many of their students do they offer work-study to? What is the cost of living at each university? What is the unemployment rate in the community where the university is located? Of course, if a scholarship

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