Your school counselor, teachers and parents are your best resources for choosing a college. You should also attend college fairs and plan as many campus visits as possible.
There are also many online tools that can help you explore your options, such as College Match Maker and our College Profiles from College Navigator.
When evaluating your options, it is important to understand what the three types of colleges are and consider how distance education might fit with your learning style. Be cautious, however, not to be fooled by diploma mills. Getting a quality education should be your priority.
College Profiles
Use the College Navigator tool to search for colleges across the United States. Search by size, state and more. You can save your favorites and export them to an Excel spreadsheet, too.
College MatchMaker
What are you looking for in a college - close to home or far away? With certain majors? In a cost range? This online tool lets users search for colleges and universities nationwide and narrow their search by several variables including region/state, majors, admission requirements, involvement opportunities, religious affiliations and other choices.
College Map
Use this interactive map of Indiana to explore colleges close to home. Indiana is home to more colleges than you think!
Know the 3 kinds of Colleges
There are three types of colleges: public, private and proprietary. Which fits with your goals?
Diploma Mills
In today's Internet-based world, with hundreds of higher education institutions of all types offering their programs by distance education, it is often very difficult to know which ones are reliable and which ones are just after your money. How do you avoid these diploma mills? Do your homework first!
Distance Education
Distance education involves college courses and programs being offered through local TV, Internet satellite, computer disks and CD-ROM. It might be a good option if you work or if your family schedule has prevented you from realizing your educational dreams.
Virtual Tours
Some colleges offer online tours of their campuses.