How do I choose between colleges?

Speaking with an alumni of the college may be helpful. If the cost of tuition or housing is a concern, find out how many scholarships are available to upper classmen.

What is the graduation rate at the college? That can be a good indicator of student satisfaction. The best way, in my opinion, is to visit the campus, talk to students, eat the food, hang out. Follow your heart.

One important factor is cost. I don't think colleges do a good enough job of talking through the details of education debt and how that might affect your career/higher education options down the road. The reality is that education is very expensive in the U.S., so depending on your career goals and your financial situation, your search for the perfect college should include proper consideration of what it will cost you and if it is worth it. Obviously this largely depends on the profession you choose, but do your research and I would caution you against relying on what the school says is their "average salary" upon graduation--these numbers are notoriously inflated. I would suggest using a number of different sources, and if possible, talk to alums of those schools and find out what their experiences were. There's a lot of information out there, but unfortunately you have to question the source and what is motivating them (for example, is the endorsement coming from Admissions, or is it based on actual data?). Best of luck - you are at an exciting crossroads in life!

Charlotte offered some great advise. I'd add researching the programs that you might be interested in and networking to see existing students experience with the program and faculty. Also, our world and workforce is becoming more diverse - do the schools your are considering embrace diversity. Schools all report on student demographics so thats fairly simple to compare. An exciting time - and it will be worth the angst and frustration :) Best of luck.

Hi Britny!

Thanks for asking. Here are some pointers:

https://www.unigo.com/admissionsadvice/once-accepted,-how-do-you-choose-between-colleges/168/1
http://college.usatoday.com/2013/11/17/fear-not-10-ways-to-choose-between-seemingly-equal-colleges/
http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/A205B019/After-Acceptance-How-to-Finally-Decide-on-One-School/

Best of luck! Hope this helps!