Taking on the challenge of higher education can be an exciting prospect for many students and adult learners. Typical earnings for students with bachelor’s degrees are 86% higher than for those who left education after high school. But deciding to pursue college is just the first step in what can be a very long journey.
Alongside choosing the right program, prospective students need to consider test scores, financial needs, accessibility, and housing, while ensuring the college they choose feels like a good fit.
From housing considerations to identifying appropriate courses, here’s what to look for in a university.
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How Much Will University Cost?
The exact cost of applying for and attending university will vary by person. The average cost for a student in 2025 is just over $38,000 per year. This figure takes into account tuition, books, supplies, and living costs.
Still, there are a few other financial considerations prospective students will need to make.
- Application Fees: Students should expect to pay between $60-$100 per school in fees during the application process. This can add up quickly if you’re applying to multiple institutions at once.
- Moving Costs: Moving costs vary depending on how far you’re traveling, which belongings you’re bringing, and what type of moving company you choose. For students, using labor-only moving services can reduce costs significantly while offering flexible options tailored to college schedules.
- Interests: Meeting new people and trying new things are major parts of the college experience, with the average student spending around $260 a month on personal interests, outings, and activities.
4 Things to Look for in a University
Alongside costs, prospective students and their parents must take the time to choose a school that meets their unique needs.
Considerations include the college’s profile, where it sits in national rankings, and the quality of available classes and degrees. Also note security, the quality of on-site facilities, and the availability of extracurricular programs.
To guide your research and help you find a college that’s best-positioned to meet your specific needs, here’s what to look for in a university and some ideas on how to compare relevant schools and degrees.
1. College Location
Location has a big impact on the college experience, both academically and financially. The best college for some students may be closer to home, helping to reduce travel expenses during the holidays. While others may only be accepted into or find appropriate degrees offered by colleges in cities farther away.
When narrowing down your college list, try to identify options that are easy to travel to, have interesting local communities, and run well-respected programs relevant to your desired future career.
If your ideal college is a little farther away than you’d like, smart planning can help to cut some costs. For example, dedicated college movers are often more cost-effective than traditional moving companies. They can help to simplify the college transition process for a fraction of the price.
2. Program Quality
Completing higher education programs can take a lot of time and cost a lot of money. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a college that runs high-quality programs you’re actually interested in.
Students must consider how a degree might help them enter their desired profession or start their own business after graduation, as well as explore options that offer wider support and hands-on learning to help ensure success.
When comparing different schools and classes, look for answers to the following questions:
- Does the college offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid?
- What are the admission requirements (SAT scores, letters of recommendation, etc.)?
- Where does the college sit in national rankings?
- Does the program align with my interests?
- Do teachers and mentors provide personalized support?
- Are high-quality course materials provided?
- Is work experience included as part of the course?
3. Campus Environment
The best colleges strike a balance between academics and fulfilling campus experiences. While many colleges do have their own student housing developments and on-site facilities, quality can vary greatly across different schools, so it’s wise to do some research into campus life at your chosen universities.
Factors to consider include:
- Security: Check local news reports to see how safe the general area is, and look for colleges with advanced and user-friendly security systems featuring access control, surveillance, and intrusion alarm systems.
- Number of Students: Higher numbers of students living on campus can mean a more active and exciting college experience, with more amenities and activities made available to private students.
- Campus Layout: Schools with a singular connected campus are often busier throughout the day, while those that are spread out across cities can feel a little less lively.
- Accessibility: Features designed to support students with disabilities can be a good sign of a positive campus environment.
4. Extracurricular Activities
The best colleges run extracurricular programs intended to help students bond over shared interests and unwind outside of classes.
Studies show students who engage in extracurricular activities often enjoy higher rates of academic satisfaction and higher levels of academic achievement, so adding this factor into your research can be a wise decision.
Students and parents should look for schools that run well-respected sports, writing, creative arts, and community service programs with minimal or no extra application fees.
The friendships and experiences gained through such programs can help to improve education quality and teach skills that can help you build your own business after graduation, so consider this key factor before you submit any applications.
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Conclusion
Choosing where to pursue higher education is one of the most important decisions a student can make, impacting everything from the lifelong friendships they form to the success of their future careers.
With dozens of schools and colleges to choose from, making the right choice can be hard, that is, if you don’t know what to look for in a university. By referencing this guide and exploring cost-saving tips, finding the best college to meet your needs is much easier!
Ashlyn is a homegrown Iowan (go Cyclones!). She graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2023 with a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications. Now, she serves as UniMovers' Director of Operations. In her free time, she loves to try new restaurants, travel, watch football, and spend time with her dog!
To get in contact with her regarding blog partnerships at UniMovers please email blog@unimovers.com.
