Exciting news: There are thousands of colleges and universities to choose from, and you get to decide where to apply and ultimately, where to go. 

Now, where to start?   

Learn the lingo  

College versus University 

Used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Colleges are often smaller and focus on undergraduate programs whereas Universities are commonly larger and offer both undergraduate and graduate programs.   

Types of Colleges  

Now, let’s narrow it down a little further.  

Public and Private  

Public institutions receive funding from the government, while private schools are funded through private funds. Pro tip: Be careful not to make assumptions about which is better, bigger, or more expensive to attend. The financial aid you receive is tailored specifically to you, as are the variables of a school’s size or what things you believe are essential for a good experience.    

Two-Year and Four-Year Colleges  

Two-year schools offer certificate and associate degree programs. Four years offer bachelor’s degree programs. Why four years? They generally require students to complete more general education courses in addition to those required for their chosen field of study. 

For-Profit Colleges  

Owned by private enterprises and operate to make a profit for their owners and shareholders. Tuition rates are typically higher than public institutions, and not every for-profit college is fully accredited.  

Liberal Arts Colleges  

Offer four-year degrees and emphasize a broad education in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts.  

Community Colleges  

Two-year schools that offer certificate and associate degree programs. Most commonly public schools and tuition is often quite affordable.  

Vocational Colleges  

Also known as career or trade schools. Focus on training students for a specific job through hands-on learning in fields such as dental assisting, paralegals, electricians, pharmacy technicians, plumbers, or welders. Students often complete programs in less than two years.  

Specially Focused College and Universities 

Military academies are among the best-known focused institutions. They provide an undergraduate education while preparing students for military service after graduation.  

Religious colleges and universities are affiliated with a religious faith and sometimes a specific denomination. Notre Dame and Boston College are some examples.  

Art schools emphasize the study and practice of artistic disciplines like sculpture, photography, illustration, fashion design, photography, and more. 

Single-sex colleges. You won’t encounter many of these - there are only 34 in the U.S. They are exactly where the description implies – schools that admit women or men exclusively.  

Specialty mission schools focus on particular groups of students. Historically Black colleges and universities – known as HBCUs - and Hispanic-serving institutions are the ones you’ll see most commonly as you get into your search  

TCU’s or Tribal colleges and universities serve Native Americans and are predominantly located on or near reservations. 

Military-Friendly Options for Dependent Students 

What “Military-Friendly” means can vary from school to school. Common benefits offered are application fee waivers and in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.  

Some schools have specific scholarships for military-dependent students and offices or centers with tailored support for academic success, sorting out Post 9/11 GI Bill funding, and negotiating TriCare while you’re away at college, among others. 

Start by looking at a school's official website.  If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact the admissions office directly. They love to talk to prospective students and you’ll get a lot of information. 

National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) Campuses.  

NVLF is committed to empowering military-connected students as they transition into higher education and prepare for purposeful careers. Through scholarship programs at 70 college and university partners, they empower military-connected students to be leaders by harnessing their unique military experiences and perspective to empower others.  

Find a list of NVLF partner campuses here: https://nvlf.us/campus-leadership/ 

Yellow Ribbon Schools. 

If you are eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you’ll want to look check on whether or not the schools you’re interested in are a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program which can help you pay for fees that are not covered by the GI Bill. More info on participating schools and how to find out if you’re eligible here: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/ 

The Search 

With so many options to choose from, it’s important to spend some time early in the process considering what would make a school “fit” you. Academic programs, campus location and culture, specialized services or programs…these are the points of your compass.  

Free, Accessible, Information-Packed Resources 

ACT has an on-demand, expert-packed webinar, Finding Your Fit: Researching and Choosing the Right College, to help you get started and solidify your list. https://share.act.org/watch/5McJ5KfsVkRirbqp4tFHj1? 

Other sources to explore:  

• Talk to your school counselor. They often have connections with admissions officers, know what scholarships students like you have been successful in winning, and have their own resources for helping you build your list. 
• Attend college rep visits at your school. These require no planning, no travel and no cost but give you one-on-one access with recruiters who know their schools inside and out. Even if it’s not a school you’re particularly interested in, go anyway. A great opportunity to practice your research skills. 
• Check out local or nearby fairs. Another no-cost option for exploring schools. Often, these events also offer workshops on financial aid or scholarships and they always have great swag. Grab a parent or a friend a go meet some schools. 
• Use a reputable search engine. Narrowing a list from the thousands to 5-8 schools is the perfect challenge for technology. Here are a few to try: 

               - Big Future from the College Board has 4,000schools accessible in their search engine and a large collection of informa                  tion about the college process overall. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search 

                - Although a smaller set of schools, all accept the Common App. Bonus – there are a lot of tips embedded in the experi                     ence. Lead and Search! 

                - Join the Corvias Foundation Purple Tassel Crew for a one-stop shop that will support you from search to application –                     with some help on finding your passion, too.    

Virtual Visits  

Time and resources don’t have to keep you from exploring campuses that are interesting to you. Not the same as being there but a solid option when you’re exploring options. https://campustours.com/