Peterson's suggests students choose a college where they are most likely to feel comfortable and successful. Success is more likely at a school better suited for a student's personal tastes and academic interests. Some students might sense they would fit better at a smaller school with a strong artistic community, while others might enjoy the more traditional college atmosphere of a well-known university. Students are more likely to enjoy their education and graduate from a degree program they enjoy if they choose a college based more on personal preferences than popular opinion.
A large, well-known university might be a good choice for students who want to explore options in an environment offering a wide variety of majors. Well-known public universities generally are less expensive than more specialized or lesser-known colleges. However, a more specialized college might have a more generous financial package to offer qualified students. Financial situations, academic abilities and professional interests should have the biggest influence in a college choice. According to College Board, students might be interested in a large, well-known university so they can work with top-notch faculty, but then be disappointed when they realize there is very little faculty-to-student interaction because teaching assistants lead most classes. However, a well-known university might have more resources, including libraries, technology and research facilities.
NPR suggests prospective students consider the long-term implications of attending a particular university. Students with long-term goals are more likely to choose a school that will help them achieve those goals than those who select colleges based on popularity. Prospective students might contact college alumni from a well-known university and a lesser-known college and ask if their school choices helped them accomplish their goals.
Employers might be more likely to interview candidates from universities or colleges that are recognized locally or known for high-quality research facilities. The Wall Street Journal reports many employers prefer to interview candidates from well-known state or local universities. For example, an engineering degree from a well-known university might be more marketable than a similar degree from a small, largely unknown college. However, NPR reports hiring decisions are likely based more on ability levels and experience than school choice.