Picking colleges for your application list is a big step in the college admissions process. After all, it’s where you’ll spend a good chunk of time preparing for your future career.
So you want to ensure you’ve done all the necessary research and know you’re choosing the best place to continue your education.
Public colleges can offer students like you a high-quality education with lots of perks and lower tuition requirements, so they are worth looking into.
Let’s look at some critical factors you need to consider when choosing a public university.
1. Class Sizes
Because the government subsidizes public college tuition, it’s more cost-effective for families. This means that they tend to have larger class sizes.
Larger classes sometimes mean less face-to-face time with professors. However, many offer office hours so that you can ask questions and clarify assignments. Check the professor-student ratios to see what you can expect.
Some larger schools also employ more teaching assistants, or TAs, which means you may have access to more support than with a smaller school.
Big classes also increase the chance of you finding students who want to create a supportive study group. So if you’re a driven self-starter, large classes won’t get in the way of your success.
Also, larger classes give shy students time to sit back and get comfortable before they begin reaching out to make connections.
2. Tuition, Fees, And Financial Aid Options
Public institutions offer a relatively low cost of attendance, especially for in-state students. Even out-of-state students may qualify for reduced tuition.
Because of these affordable prices, students receiving financial aid are more likely to have their tuition covered.
Additionally, public colleges offer competitive scholarships for a variety of things, including:
- Merit-based scholarships
- First-in-family scholarships
- Military scholarships
- Leadership scholarships
- No-essay scholarships
This makes the cost of tuition even more accessible and reduces the number of student loans you will need during your time in higher education.
Remember, the “sticker price” doesn’t account for scholarships and financial aid, so always consider those factors when choosing a university.
3. Available Degree Programs
Public colleges offer various undergraduate and graduate degree programs, so the catalog likely contains something related to your desired career.
This assortment of academic programs allows college students to be exposed to various topics, making it more likely for them to find the path they were meant for.
Additionally, it allows students who may be second-guessing their academic program and want to switch to a new field of study.
It’s also great for international students looking for niche academic programs that may only be offered at select schools.
So as you search for the right college for you, consider what interests you and whether or not the public universities on your list offer such a program.
4. Social And Extracurricular Activities
Social opportunities make the transition from high school to college much smoother. The best colleges offer lots of experiences outside of the classroom.
If athletics, clubs, and other extracurriculars are high on your list of non-negotiables for college, you’ll want a school that offers many options. Smaller colleges usually offer fewer student organizations, so opting for a prominent public university will yield more choices.
Public colleges have lots of social and cultural diversity, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find individuals who share your interests
Many public schools also have rich athletics programs, meaning there’s always a game to attend or a team to join. And participating in college rivalries can help you develop a social network you can depend on during your time at school and beyond.
5. Quality Of Life For The Student Body
From college dorms to dating, how comfortable students feel on campus is a huge factor in choosing the right school
Public universities offer an excellent quality of life for students. The dining halls often have a variety of cuisines. And a larger student population means more dating opportunities for those interested
Check out the student housing options to see if they will make you feel at home. When you visit a public college campus, observe the students to see how happy they are. Check out the facilities, common areas, and other places students frequent outside the lecture halls
Get a sense for the overall vibe. Trust your instincts—they are often correct.
6. Networking Opportunities
Public colleges have a large population, meaning there are lots more students for you to meet. Professors also invite their colleagues to speak during their classes, meaning there are more experts on campus for you to mingle with
Student organizations offer a wealth of networking opportunities that will come in handy during your transition from college life to your career path
If you choose wisely, you’ll have the opportunity to network with different types of people and access more lucrative opportunities.