So, now that you know you want to go back to school, how do you find the college that’s right for you? There are lots of things to consider when deciding on a school, but don’t let that deter you! Going back to school is a great way to advance your career, but you have to do a little leg-work before you actually get there. So, here are some points to consider when doing your college research:

• Size – Some programs can be as small as 25 students, while others can number in the thousands. Is it better to go to a big or little school? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. For instance, students at smaller schools get more personalized attention from their instructors, while larger schools generally offer a larger variety of courses. So, it really depends on if you get overwhelmed or invigorated by a crowd!

• Type of course offerings – if you’re interested in criminal justice, you don’t want to go to a school that specializes in accounting. Does a certain school offer the courses that you need to meet your career goals? Try doing a search to find out what schools have the program that fits your needs!

• Location – Are you willing to move to go to school or do you need to stay at home? How far will you have to commute be to school? Remember that the closer you are located to your college, the more time that you will have to work and study.

• Cost – The price of tuition is a big factor when you’re trying to decide on a college. It’s important to remember that not all schools cost the same amount, and different schools offer different types of financial aid. Although the price of some colleges might seem high, don’t forget that there are lots of scholarships available to qualified students!

• Career Development Office – Many colleges have some sort of career office that students can use to land internships and job offers. Lots of schools have some well-connected alumni and staff who can help students find a job after graduation. So when you’re doing research on a school, see what career resources are available.

Happy college hunting!