college search

How to Choose a College Major

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on January 22, 2024

Future aspirations: How to choose a major in college even if you don’t know what you want to do How to choose a college major: Start with your passions and choose a general direction. Don’t be afraid to change your mind later. Most students do. For pre-professional programs, consider your undergraduate options carefully. Consider the …

college search

How to Choose a College: A Complete Guide

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 29, 2024

It can be intimidating to try to choose one college from nearly 6,000 options. Even after you’ve received acceptance letters, making this decision can be a tough one! Thankfully, there are ways to narrow down your choices and choose the college that best fits you. How to Choose a College in 9 Steps Start Your …

affordability & college cost

College Costs: Net Price vs. Sticker Price

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

Someone once accurately explained college pricing and financial aid with this anecdote: You live in the Northeast quadrant of the United States. The temperature outside could be displayed on one hand on any given day in January. Your little brother just dumped a quart of yellow paint on your winter coat—meaning you need to buy …

affordability & college cost

College Costs: The 4 Parts of College Costs

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

How much does college cost? This seems like it should be a reasonably simple question with a straight forward answer. However, that is not nearly the case. In fact, there are at least 4 answers to this question about college costs. Understanding them is important in being a good consumer. 1. Tuition and Fees The …

college search

College Fit: Reach, Match, and Safety Colleges Explained

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to choosing a college, you will hear the term “fit” tossed around quite a bit. You’re told to find a college that is a good “fit”, but what does that really mean? You know what it means to find a pair of jeans or sneakers that fit, but a college? Clothing and …

college majors & minors

How Do I Choose a College Major?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Choosing a college major can be a huge part of your overall college plan. Knowing what you want to study can narrow down the college search. Choosing a college major can be a huge part of your overall college plan, and knowing what you want to study can narrow down the college search. But with …

college comparisons

Is Lower Student Debt More Important than a Big Name School for Thriving After College?

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (no subscription required) proclaims “Elite Colleges Don’t Buy Happiness for Graduates.”  The thesis of the article is that empirical data shows that a college’s reputation does not guarantee success in the workplace. Gallup surveyed more than 30,000 college graduates drawn from colleges and universities across the selectivity …

college comparisons

Strategies for Determining Most Affordable Schools: The Ivy League

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are potentially many factors that go into building a portfolio of schools when considering your college application options. Academic fit, cost, geography, major field of study, extracurricular offerings and athletics are some of the top considerations.  MyCollegePrice offers an easy way to combine some of these quickly and easily as you try to winnow …

college comparisons

Creating More Accurate College Net Price Estimates

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re a prospective college student, you may be pulling your hair out when going through the shopping process. Not just because of all of the hoops you’re made to jump through and paperwork you need to fill out — but also because of how misleading college cost estimates can be. Many estimates can be …

affordability & college cost

The Price of State Colleges vs. Private Colleges

By William StaibLast updated on December 22, 2022

One of the biggest myths for high school students and their families is that state schools are always cheaper — generally a lot cheaper — than comparable smaller, private colleges. Is it true? Not really. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons we created MyCollegePrice in the first place. In many cases, attending a …