Factors to consider when choosing a college

COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS
Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town or rural setting)?
Do most students live on campus or commute?
Are there fraternities and sororities?
What athletic programs are available?
Is housing guaranteed for freshmen?
What is the surrounding community like?
Is the college public, private, or church affiliated?
What is the current student enrollment?
What special or unique programs are offered?
Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements? What are they?
Does the college have special programs for transfer students?
What is the academic calendar (semester or quarters)?

COST
What is the tuition?
What are the other costs? Room and board? Other fees?
How much did costs increase from last year to this year?
Is there a difference in the costs for in-state and out of state students?
Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these refundable?
By when must accepted students decide whether they will attend?
Are deposits required each year for returning students?
When do the bills have to be paid?

FINANCIAL AID
What percentage of students receive financial aid based on financial need?
What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?
What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshmen?
Will my financial aid be adjusted if my need increases?
What are the financial aid applications procedures and deadlines?
When are the financial aid applicants notified of their awards?
How long do they have to respond?
Is there a tuition payment plan?
Are there campus jobs available? Are there off-campus jobs as well?

ACADEMICS
What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest?
How many students in the last year’s freshmen class returned for their sophomore year?
What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?
What is the college’s procedure for student orientation, class placement, and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed?
How is a faculty advisor assigned to student?
What services does the school offer for students who are undecided about a major?
How many students complete a degree?
What are the most popular majors?
Are students taught by full time faculty members, graduate assistants, or a combination of both?
What types of additional services are provided by the school at no additional cost to the student (e.g. tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading, and study skills, workshops, job placement)?
Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?
The Scholarship List
Grace M. Edwards Scholarship
City of Boston Scholarship
Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship
Tallegah Morgan Scholarship
Omega Psi Phi Scholarship
Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship

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