Determine what type of degree you are interested in before you choose a college. If you are interested in an Associate's degree, you can attend a community or vocational college. If you want to earn a Bachelor's degree or higher, you will need to look into a four-year institution. You can also complete your first two years at a community college and transfer to a four-year school. This is option is good for students who cannot afford four years of tuition at a four-year college.
Determine your budget for tuition, textbooks and living expenses. Your college budget will include the money you (and your parents) will contribute toward your school expenses, as well as any grants or scholarships you may have earned. You also want to consider how much debt you are willing to take on through student loans. After you figure out how much you can spend on college, choose a school that fits within your budget. Break this down by the school's yearly attendance costs or the cost to attend the school for four years. If a particular school you are interested in is out of your budget, consider additional student loan options and see if you qualify for any scholarships the school offers directly.
If you already know what you want to pursue in college, look into schools that have strong programs in your desired major. A strong program will offer diverse and concentrated courses, experienced professors, student clubs, professional organizations and opportunities for networking. Keep in mind that many students change their majors at least once while in college. You may want to choose a school that offers a range of strong degree programs in case your major changes.
The location of the school can have a big impact on your decision. Ask yourself if you prefer big cities or suburban areas. You will also need to know if you want to be close to your family or if you do not mind being on your own. Remember that if you fly across the country to go to college, you may only see your family and friends during holidays and vacations. You may want to choose a college that is within reasonable driving distance of your hometown if you plan on going home often.