Transfer Factors to Consider
Choosing a college is a big decision, both from a financial and personal perspective. Before you make a commitment to a college or university, take time to consider the following factors so you will make the right transfer decision.
The Number of Associate Degree Hours that will Transfer
Colleges vary in the number of credits that they accept, so contact each college to be sure.
Tuition Rates
Tuition is greatly influenced by whether an institution is in-state (less expensive) or out-of-state (more expensive) and whether the institution is public (less expensive) or private (more expensive). Colleges also differ in the amount of available financial aid and scholarships.
The Number of Students
Smaller colleges provide more individualized attention but also tend to be more expensive.
The Quality of Institution
Some colleges are better than others regarding important things such as facilities, instructors, resources, libraries, technology etc.
Your Major
Examine the quality of instruction in your major at various colleges and compare them.
The Location
You may have a preference for where you want to live while you are in college. Important factors in this decision include distance from family and friends, warm or cold climate, and urban or rural setting.
Accreditation of the College or Your Major Program
Many employers only hire students who have graduated from an accredited college or from a major program that has been accredited.
Support Services
If you need special assistance with issues such as learning disabilities, physical disabilities or academic support, the quality of the college’s support services will be very important.
Cooperative Education
Many colleges have cooperative education programs in which students can work for college credit in order to gain experience in their field. If this is important to you, you’ll want to assess the quality of the colleges you plan to attend with regard to whether or not they have those programs.
Activities
Intramural and intercollegiate athletics, music, art, theater and cultural activities are just a few of the activities available to students at various campuses. There are many outlets for extra-curricular experiences and they vary from college to college. Think about your interests and whether or not the transfer institution has activities available in these areas.