Finding Your College Fit
College Criteria:
There are so many colleges, deciding which ones may be right for you can be intimidating. Step one to creating your college list is picking out the criteria that matter most to you. Some things to consider when thinking about what you want in a college include:
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Institution Type (4-year, 2-year, public, private, community college, technical college, etc)
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Location and distance from home
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School and class size
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Cost and Financial Aid
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Majors you are interested in
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Makeup of the student body
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Extracurricular activities and athletics
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Campus Culture
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Admissions Requirements
Once you’ve decided what you want in a college, start researching schools. Colleges have websites with a ton of information, Ms. Butner has 100s of brochures, and search engines such as CFNC and Big Future can help.
Develop a list of 5-7 schools you may be interested in, including schools whose admissions standards your academic profile fits, some you are slightly above, and a few “reach” schools.
College Search Engines
College Spotlight
Duke University
Duke is a private university located in Durham, North Carolina. There are 6,609 undergraduates enrolled and the tuition and fees are $53,744 (2017-18), although Duke promises to meet 100% of financial need. The most popular majors are biology, economics, and public policy. Duke is the most competitive school in North Carolina, currently ranked as the 9th best national university in the country. Aside from amazing academics, students enjoy a national championship-winning basketball team, gorgeous gothic architecture, and an active social scene. It is also where Ms. Befort attended college, so she may be a little biased.
Western Carolina University
Western is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. There are 9,171 undergraduates currently enrolled and the tuition is set at $500 a semester for in-state residences as part of the new NC Promise Program. This makes the total cost of attendance $7,685. The most popular majors are business, health professions, and education. WCU emphasizes research, service, and community engagement - with all of their academic programs and outreach activities focused on improving the lives of individuals while boosting the sustainable community and economic development of the region.
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
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North Carolina A&T is a public historically black university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. There are 9,668 undergraduates enrolled and the in-state tuition and fees are $6,526. The most popular majors are engineering, communication & journalism, and business. The students and faculty create a supportive intellectual and social community that builds a solid foundation for success. A&T Aggies have a strong spirit and school pride, with a powerful school history, D1 athletics, and a superb marching band.