Student Loan Company - An Easier Way of Getting Educational Loan

A student only knows the difficulty of being one. First of all there are unbearable tensions of studies but what if there are other tensions like payment of college fees, books expenditure, hostel fees etc. One can't imagine being suffering from it and if he tries to do some work to pay all these then that may adversely affect his studies. Now the question is what to do? Well here is a solution out of it- Student loan Company

Brief review

Students who need financial support to carry their study can easily incur the expenses of their education with the help of Student Loans Company. The student loan company is offered to the borrower at lower interest rates and helps the borrower to pay the entire cost of education such as tuition fees, hostel accommodation, books, computers and the other liabilities. This loan which is also available for bad credit people and helps them to improve their score. This can be achieved by the applicant in two forms- Secured loans and unsecured loans.

Unsecured versus secured form

An applicant can apply for unsecured loan where he\she should not keep any collateral for achieving the loan but the lender will verify some of his documents showing his income, address etc. Also the rate of interest charged in this group will be higher than the secured loan. In secured loan one has to keep a property as collateral which helps the applicant get equal money or more than the value of the property.

Rate of interest and repayments

The interest charged for the student loan company is very less. But for bad credit persons it is bit high than the normal ones. The repayment of loan is done only after getting a job hence no worry for the borrower. Lower rate of interest means longer repayment tenure.

Summary

Well it is always difficult for a student when he is facing financial problems which will directly affect his studies. The student loan company helps you out and shows you the correct way to achieve your destiny.

Written by Steve Clark

Low Interest Student Loans For College - Know Where To Get Them?

Lower percentage, lower payback.

Today, many high school graduates have difficulty finding jobs that pay well enough to support a family or provide comfortable living. For this reason, a large percentage of graduates continue on to college. In addition, a large number of adults with established families return to school seeking better jobs or a second career. The results of inflation and higher living costs have also resulted in a significant rise in college tuition and associated charges, such as textbook and laboratory fees. Many people are unable to afford paying these fees outright, and search for alternatives to funding their college degrees. Some are able to obtain scholarships and grants, while others must focus on borrowing money to pay tuition. For persons who are required to borrow money, low interest student loans for college are the most cost-effective route.

Several types of loans are available for affording the cost of a college education. Private bank loans or personal loans may require established credit and a significant amount of collateral, which the high school graduate is unlikely to possess. If a potential student's parents are willing to assist with tuition costs, those with good credit may apply for a PLUS loan. Only the cost of tuition less any available scholarships or other financial aid may be borrowed, and the parent is required to repay the loan within ten years.

Another type of loan is the Perkins Loan, which is available to students with extreme financial hardship. This loan is repaid directly to the school. Only $4,000 each year can be borrowed against the cost of an undergraduate education, and the maximum amount that can be borrowed is $20,000. These loans are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis to those with demonstrated financial need. Most students who qualify for this loan also meet criteria for Federal Pell Grants, another beneficial form of financial aid that does not require repayment.

The Stafford Loan is another type of low interest loan financed by the government. Students with no established credit may be eligible to borrow money for college expenses at a low interest rate provided they meet income criteria and have never before defaulted on a student loan. Both unsubsidized and subsidized loans are available. If the loan is subsidized, the government pays the interest during the student's college years.

These and other low interest student loans for college usually require the borrower to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form. Although these are some of the most commonly used loans, they are by no means an exhaustive list. Students desiring to obtain a degree in health-related fields should consider the Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL). Those who are seeking careers in engineering might consider the available resources of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); these loans often offer interest rates two or three percent less than other federal loans. In summary, students who decide to pursue a college education will benefit greatly from examining loan alternatives before allowing themselves to be trapped by higher interest rate loans that are more difficult to repay.
Written by Adam Hefner

Payday Loans - A Quick Financial Resolution

The emergency, unplanned or unpredictable expenses, never synchronizes with your economic condition or good time. It always comes within seconds which can't be ignored over the period of time and requires proper action. At that time if you have emptied your pocket, it might create obstacle to your time. For that time, payday loans are especially designed to deal with the unexpected expenses.

Generally you find the shortages of funds in mid of the month and fail to deal with the emergency. That's why you need there a financial advance which you can get in cash instantly. Taking account of this typical situation of the borrowers, market has been flooded with the lenders to provide financial assistance in the form of payday loans.

Payday loans are short term loans. You generally take it for 15- 30 days. You can obtain this loan against your regular monthly income. For this, you have to put a post dated check that is signed by you for an amount equal to that of your loan. You will be asked for a valid checking account that should support your monthly income. With the payday loans, the amount of loan generally you get, ranges from £ 100 to £ 1500. However, you can cross this limit with a healthy income proof and a good repayment capability.

With the advancement in the technology, today the payday loans are also available through the online. Online is one of the simple and fast ways to acquire the payday loans. Online payday loans are less time consuming as less paperwork is required, and the borrower is provided with all the details online. You can get a very fast approval for the payday loans, as you can avail it with the next 24 hours of your application.

Even with a bad credit, you are eligible for the payday loans. Your bad credit history due to your past financial mistakes will never hamper the approval of your payday loans.

Payday loans stand with you for your several day to day expenses. You make yourself satisfied by disbursing your needs with its eruption. You never like to tolerate any delay in your essential work. Payday loans reaches you on the exact time when you need it. That is rather essential for your peace of mind than to meet your demand.

Written by Andrrew Hall

Student Loan Consolidation Makes The Going Easier

Using student loan consolidation is a useful financial instrument to help you keep down your payments by lengthening your repayment term and is usually backed by the federal government. generating this way of paying less is pretty much free, though you will pay over the years through the interest you pay.

Putting Your Student Loan Payments Together

Student loan consolidation is the act of putting the various loans you took out over your college time, into a new loan, specially created for that purpose.

It is a simple and relatively cheap way to cut your loan payments by pulling them together through one specialized lender.

Consolidate Your Student Loan When The Going Gets Tough

By exploring ways to save thousands of $$$'s on your variety of monthly payments, you will become much happier with your finances. It's a great tool to use, especially if you get yourself organized right after college ends - it's even better if you are starting to financially struggle with your student debt.

So if you need help because you are starting to fall behind with your payments, you really must consider a consolidated student loan. In fact everyone wins when you do this!

Where To Find Help To Consolidate Your Loan

First stop to find a good deal is to talk with your former classmates. It's more than likely that one of them has jumped the gun and already got a good deal, so learn from them.

Talking to your former college or employer may find special deals that will help you too - you will be amazed at the contacts they have built up over the years and that can be very much in your interests to explore.

Finally, checkout online - there are loads of banks and other finance organizations just dying to help you out with something tailored to meet your personal needs.

Federal Student Loan Consolidation - Security Government Backed

For a fixed-rate refinancing program that pulls together all of your current federal student you need a Federal student loan consolidation package. A Federal student loan consolidation arrangement is way more advantageous for the borrower.

Whilst these deals can sometimes be regarded as refinancing, actually all that happens is that the loan rates are simply fixed, for the benefit of all concerned.

Student loan consolidation is a strong financial package backed by government to help you with lower payments. It does this by extending the loan period, so that you pay less now and for longer, which in many cases is a much less painful experience.

Written by Martin Haworth

Student Loan Consolidation, Key to Saving Money

Getting into college not only requires drive and intelligence. It needs a good financial plan, both for parents and students. Sometimes, because of the many unexpected educational expenses, no what how good the financial plan is, some students have to apply several student loans. Because of this, one loan after another can lead to repayments difficulty, especially by the time a student graduates.

Multiple loans require multiple payments at different times of the month. All of which can lead problems like missed or late payments. This is why it is very important to manage and track the number of lenders you have and how much you owe each. For financial management to be easier, a student loan consolidation is a viable option.

A student loan consolidation entails the combination of all the student loans at hand. This makes it easier for the debtor to make plans for the repayment of the loans made. However, you should take note that there are several types including federal and private. Because of the different terms and conditions that apply for each kind, it is not advisable to consolidate both types into one account. It is more advantageous to consolidate loans according to what type it is.

Loan consolidation makes it easier for a debtor to make arrangements for the payments in a way that only one repayment addressed to one lender has to be arranged regularly. This means that all the loans made will follow only one set of terms and conditions. The interest rate that will be used is the average of all the interest rates of the loans made. The consolidation interest rate is lower compared to the interest rate of the loans made when looked at separately.

In some cases the repayment programs extends the duration of the loan amortization. This is not advantageous for the debtor even if the interest rate is lower because longer time frame of payment will cause the debtor to pay much more in interest. This is the trade off in having more time to pay for the loans consolidated. Another important factor to recognize is that once you consolidate the loans, you can no longer take out the loans from the consolidation program. This means that you can no longer separate the loans once the consolidation has been made.

When one is looking for a loan consolidation,, the student must consider the interest rates, repayment program and penalty payments if there are any. Do a good job of researching your options and do not first loan that is offered. Protect yourself and be smart. It is really advisable that before you apply for a consolidation loan that you fully know the terms and conditions of the commitment.

Written by James Kesel

PLUS Loan Consolidation

One of the best tools that you can use to pay for college is the Parent PLUS loan. This loan is one that is very much a reality for many parents who are looking to help their kids out with college but don't have a large sum of money just laying around. The problem occurs when you have to pay for a couple of different kids to go to college and you have to keep up with different loans. What are you to do with all of that paperwork? In this case, it is sometimes good to consider PLUS loan consolidation. With consolidation, you can bundle all of those aggravating loans into one, easy to remember loan.

Why would one consider using PLUS loan consolidation to pay off their students' college loan? For example, you might have three kids going through college and each of them attends a private school. That tuition bill could potentially add up to being a huge burden on your family. The standard rate of repayment for these loans is ten years, which might not be enough time for you to get it done. In this case, consolidation offers the options of extending your loan term beyond ten years and into the thirty year period. This way, the payments are lowered and they become much more reasonable for a person with multiple children.

There are other advantages to going ahead and making the move to consolidation for your PLUS parents loan. You will be able to take advantage of a substantially lower payment each month, but that isn't even the best part. When you make the move, you will be able to get a lower interest rate almost instantly. This will enable your family to take advantage of savings quickly and apply that money to other needs. It's difficult raising a family, so there are always needs for money. If you need to make some instant savings, then this is one way to do it.

In addition to that, you will be eliminating the multiple lender scenario. People who know anything about credit understand that having numerous different loans can be damaging to a person's credit. Why not combine all of those into one, easy to manage loan so that you can keep up with it and keep your credit score high? This instant boost to your credit score will help you with interest rates on cars and your house, should you choose a second mortgage.

Choosing to go the route of PLUS loan consolidation is a big step for many families. It is an option that has become much more popular over time as people have learned how much money it can save them. Whether you have one child in school or a number of children attending college, you can take advantage of the PLUS loan consolidation program. The benefits are many and there are very few drawbacks. With that in mind, it's best to shop around for the best consolidation plan and make the decision to consolidate today.

Written by Glen Orenstein

Different Ways of Paying for College

College is incredibly expensive and becoming even worse every year. Not only is there the huge cost of tuition, but students are required to account for the price of books, transportation, living expenses, and eating. For some students, parents can afford to pay for school, but others must be more resourceful and/or work their way through school.

An individual who really wants something out of life can always find a way to get it. This often means being creative in addition to hard work. There are a lot of opportunities to make money to pay college costs. When you're finished reading this article, set up with the financial aid office at the school you are or are going to be considering.

The most common option of paying for school to borrow the cash from a bank. the vast majority of banks have a program set up to offer educational loans, even for someone who doesn't established credit. Look for loans that have the lowest rates and those that don't accrue any interest until you finish school. The university may have a specific loan program they recommend.

The majority of schools have job opportunities that are available only to registered students in need of aid paying for college. These jobs tend to be actually working for the school you attend, often pay pretty well, and sometimes allow study time while on the clock. Such jobs are better than jobs outside the school because they are near your classes and will normally be extremely flexible to accommodate your class schedule.

There are, in all honesty thousands of scholarships in the world, for as little as $50 all the way to full tuition. Businesses and nonprofit organizations alike offer scholarships to help students attend school. Each endowment is aimed toward a specific situation. Whatever your ethnicity, creed, or ideology, chances are several scholarships available that can fill your needs. It's just a matter of finding them.

Most universities have funds available, and only charge the wealthiest students full tuition along with dorm fees. Find out what sort of scholarship and assist that your school offers. If they do not offer you sufficient aid to cover expenses, let them know you wont be able school without additional aid.

If you must work - even full time - to cover your costs, it would be in your best interest select a job that affords you a chance to study while working. There are many jobs which pay at which it is acceptable to study. Some good examples are security guard, receptionist, or cashier at slow businesses, libraries, or even museums.

If you must pay for college, be creative. There are countless ways to make money, particularly for someone as active as your average college student.

Written by Henry Gregory

Tips for Funding a College Education

If you are a parent wondering how you will pay for college and eventually retire, you are not alone. The College Board lists the average cost of a public university as $12,800 for in state tuition, room and board. Add another $6,400 for out of state tuition. Private universities average $26,700. Multiply by four years and by the number of children and you have a reason to be concerned. You need to learn the rules of college funding and the sources of the funds.

The financial aid process varies by school and some are interested in the contribution to be provided by grandparents. As a grandparent my first question to the college is, "How does your endowment fund compare to my retirement fund?"

If the financial aid process determines that you are "wealthy" or the family contribution falls into the "you've got to be kidding me" or some similar category, there is a ray of hope. The college brochure price is a "sticker price." Tuition discounts are offered but they require research.

There are funding sources from public and private colleges that are not restricted based on financial needs. Public schools have the ability to offer in state tuition for students who meet specific requirements and private universities have endowment funds which are often allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The preferential packages are often reserved for those who are the top 25% of the applicants. Find the schools where your child is in the top 25% of the applicants and let your children know that it is competitive world out there. My older daughter qualified for a discount at an out of state public university. She was in the top 25% of the applicants, gave the university additional geographic diversity and she majored in a field dominated by men. The cost savings and the heartache of being so far from home were substantial. The discounts are out there but they have to be researched and your child is the one who has to make the final decision.

Loan programs are also available to both student and parents. Parents, be advised that you can borrow to help with educational funding but you cannot borrow to fund retirement. Children can borrow to help pay for their future but keep in mind that graduates with massive debt often return to the nest.

Private scholarships are available. The best approach is to research past winners. You can find who won the scholarship and contact them. Finding people in the digital-age is incredibly easy. It does require work as in work-study. Work-study programs are another source of funding but that can interfere with party-time. If you are concerned about party-time, read Larry Winget's book, "It's Called Work for a Reason." and share it with the college bound student. If they can't follow Larry's philosophy, they aren't going to make it. Rather than falling in love with a single college or university you want to find various schools that meet the student's needs in terms academic programs, student population and location. Imagine falling in love with a specific automobile and telling the sales manager you have to have it. That is not the best negotiating position.

Learn about the process. Visit Octameron.Com. The company was started years ago when a retired Army officer was faced with tuition bills and no understanding of the financial aid system. Einstein said it the best, "If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research." Take the time to do the research and get a copy of "Financial Aid Officers - What They Do To You and For You." It is inexpensive and can be found through Octameron's website. You will be glad you did.

Written by Jim LeBlanc

Debt Consolidation Calculator - Starts Countdown To Eliminate Debt

Debt consolidation calculator helps you in finding out which debt consolidation plan works best for you. You need to consolidate debt when it becomes unmanageable and you find it difficult to make even minimum monthly payments. The interest structure used by different lenders differ too much. That is why it becomes difficult to get a clear picture of your current outstanding and combined monthly installment without using these calculators.

Where To Get

Now, the very first question that comes to mind is that from where you can get a debt consolidation calculator. Well, getting such a calculator is not a difficult task at all. Most of the debt consolidation companies offer this service on their websites. You need to input relevant information such as all existing loans, applicable interest rates and your current earnings besides some other facts also.

Once you key in these details, debt consolidation calculator comes up with the most suitable solution to your problem. These companies can also provide you guidance if you are not in a position to decide what is the best way out to get out of debt. So, the electronic calculators help you by suggesting best method and human brains at these companies help you how to implement these plans.

Use With Caution

Debt consolidation calculator displays how much money you will have to pay every month after you merge all your loans in a newer loan. By keying in different repayment periods in appropriate fields, you get to know the most suitable loan term. However, it is not advisable to solely depend on these calculators. It is always better to take into account the view of experts before the countdown to eliminate debt begins.

Written by Rishabh Sogani

Debt Consolidation Services - Best Friend In Difficult Times

You can rely on debt consolidation services when your are in a financial debacle due to growing debts and the situation is beyond your control. Usually, whenever in life we come across any type of difficulty, we try to get help from our friends. However, none of us likes to talk to friends or relatives when the problem is related with finances. Nor do our friends wish to interfere in this kind of issues. This is the time when a debt consolidation firm comes to your rescue like a true friend.

Removing The Root cause

Debt consolidation services help you by eliminating the root cause of your tension. Although, your ultimate objective is to pay off debts completely yet the immediate task is to bring the monthly installment within manageable limits. Unless, you achieve it, you are not going to get desired results because your entire time and energy will be wasted in pacifying various irritating creditors.

A realistic solution to this problem is to merge all existing loans in to a single larger loan with lower interest rate and longer repayment period. By doing so, you get dual benefits. First, overall cost of loan drops down considerably that is very crucial to improve your financial situation. Second, you need to pay less money every month making life much easier for you.

Take Benefit Of Experts

Companies providing these services have professionals to help you in bringing situation back in your control. They can also talk to your previous lenders to get some rebate for you in the process. Lenders understand that getting less money is better than not receiving any money at all. They also do not want to get indulged in legal complications. Negotiating experts at debt consolidation companies are well aware of these facts and at times they can save a big amount of money for you.

Finally, we can say that you are not all alone in your struggle to get financial freedom. You have companions in the form of these services that are always ready to give you a helping hand and take you out of the trouble in a hassle free manner.

Written by Rishabh Sogani

Student Loans for People with Bad Credit

Yes Virginia, Student Loans for People with Bad Credit Do Exist

When Virginia asked if there was really a good ole Saint Nick, student loans for people with bad credit was non-existent in her precious head. But for people that have trashed their score with the mighty three bureaus that decide the ability to buy houses, cars, boats, and most importantly education this is a deep concern. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in between their pearly whites. Since this is the case it is necessary for average Americans to need to finance their higher education.

A lot of college people can still obtain Stafford money even if their financial history is poor. If this is a major concern and parents have stepped in to save the situation a ParentPlus program might be the best alternative. Parents may have the clout and the known ability to pay the loan back within the government's allotted time table. The interest rates are still very reasonable just like the Stafford money. Student loans for people with bad credit may be as simple as sitting the folks down and being brutally honest about the state of one's financial affairs. Many parents don't want a few bad purchasing decisions to stand in the way of their child's education.

College people need to be very careful when shopping around for student loans for people with bad credit. There are many scammers that will lie to desperate loan seekers and will tell them they can get money for people with poor ratings. It pays to be wary in this situation. Most people can go to college through money from Stafford, ParentPlus, scholarships, pell grants based upon need, financing based on degree type, and private issued money. Many banks and financial institutions are happy to issue private money for the purpose of education. However, this often requires a close friend or relative to put their John Hancock down as a cosigner. Sometimes interest rates for private money is low, but often rate can be somewhat higher than Stafford financing. Just because someone is in the boat of having messed up their finances doesn't mean they deserve to pay through the nose either. Be wary of credit card offers and any other type of predatory financing options out on the market. Unscrupulous financiers may try to take advantage of ignorance and desperation. It's sad but entirely true. If you're like Virginia you have faith to believe that college will not be a thing of dreams.

The credit crunch is hitting harder than ever and many borrowers are feeling it. Student loans for people with bad credit are the best options for education funding. Get the financial assistance you need. Here at http://www.CollegeStudentLoans101.info, we strive to give you the best information on student loans. From private loans to how to apply for student loans.

Written by Adam Hefner

Student Loans - What Makes Them Work So Well

Student Loans Have Many Options and Benefits

The types of student loans that are out in the world today are various and aren't only offered by the government. Parents and college pupils have various options available to them. They don't need to feel boxed in by narrow ideas on what is or isn't available as a viable answer to the problem. A trip to the financial aid office of the intended college or university of attendance will do alot to quell fears. Completing the FAFSA way in advance will ensure money the pupil is entitled to will be received. Also, working on financing options months and even up to one year ahead of the game may broaden what is available. Applying for scholarships and free federal aid will help to eliminate the need to borrow as much money. College pupils should only borrow what they absolutely need for tuition, books, and housing. Otherwise the amount they will pay back in the future will be outrageous.

Federal Stafford student loans offer college people certain limits that are subsidized and unsubsidized. The government underwrites the cost of interest on subsidized money while kids are attending college. Unsubsidized means the college person will have to pay back the interest. There are several choices for how to go about paying back accrued interest. College people can pay the interest back while in school to save paying it on the back end things. If this isn't a choice up for negotiation then the interest can accrue and be paid back after graduation. The interest rates for federal money is some of the lowest around for a financing option. Credit cards are extremely high and their interest rates are often in the double digits. College people should gain a healthy respect for the damage credit cards can wreak on their financial future.

Parents can borrow money for their child's education as well. ParentPlus is a program that allows parents to finance a child's education through the government. The interest rates beat most other kinds of financing parents can dream up as an alternative. It really helps if parents have been too busy socking money into their retirement accounts or paying bills to save for college expenses. These type of student loans give the parents a certain amount of time to pay back the money. The terms are not too far off from that of the government financing for college undergrads. Both parents and college undergrads have a hand extended from the government when requiring a solution for college money.

Written by Adam Hefner

The Key to Research Colleges For Your Education

About 44% of all undergraduate students choose to attend junior colleges. Some of these students are only looking for an Associates Degree and others are preparing for advancement to a four year college or university. Generally junior or community colleges offer easily accessible locations, lower tuition rates, and the admission requirements are not very strict. They also offer comprehensive courses. If you are researching colleges to attend, know that community colleges often have classes that four year colleges do not offer. If you are working and are looking to sharpen your skills in a particular field, a community college is the appropriate choice. If you want a career in just two years, a community college is perfect. Community colleges usually offer extensive financial aid such as Pell grants. Sometimes these grants completely cover the cost of tuition and books depending on the course of study.

If your journey into researching colleges leads you to a four year college, You can obtain either a Bachelor's Degree in arts or sciences or an Associates degree in arts are sciences. Four year colleges provide numerous fields of study.

Universities also offer a wide variety of courses. The size of the class depends on the size of the school. These schools have curriculum's which include liberal arts, masters and P.H.D. programs. The professors at universities are usually engaged in some type of research. Often, graduate students instruct some the classes.

When endeavoring in researching colleges, we need to weigh the differences between public colleges or universities and private schools.. Out-of -state tuition at public schools is higher than in-state tuition. Private universities and colleges are not supported by tax payers; consequently, private schools are more expensive than public schools. Private schools, nevertheless, do offer various financial aid plans in which monies can be borrowed and repaid at a set future date.

When researching colleges, you will discover that many public colleges also offer continuing education courses. These courses usually consist of students over 24 years old, return students, parents, people beginning college a few years after high school graduation, and people changing careers.

Be sure to conduct a thorough evaluation when researching colleges. Rate colleges by size, reputation, cost, location, and curriculum's offered. Information concerning these different categories can be found online.

It is a terrific idea to visit the colleges that attract your attention. Before enrolling into a college be sure that you have found exactly what you are looking for. It is always a good idea to speak with alumni and other students about the college or university you wish to attend. You can probably attain a list of graduates from various college admissions offices. Also consult your family members. College often involves a big move away from home and family. Just remember when researching colleges, examine all the pros and cons of the different schools you may be interested in attending.

Written by Matt D Murren.

Choosing the Right College - Begin Today!

Most college bound students find the prospect of finding and applying to the right school a real challenge. Peer pressure from your friends and family can make the prospect of an objective search seem impossible. Even with a variety of opinions about your future being discussed, don't despair. Find the right college for you is easier than you think.

The first step in finding the right college is to consider key selection criteria. Here are a number of criteria to consider when making a college choice. Remember that even once you've narrowed down your options, nothing beats an actual campus visit.

Location, Location, Location.

So where do you want to go - physically? Obviously, academics play a huge role in determining the right school for you, but so does location. Are you looking for an exotic location or something close to home? What are your hobbies? Will you be in a location that allows you to continue doing what you most enjoy doing?

Are you looking for a rural setting or an urban one? Start your college planning with the type of location that you will be most happy with. This can have a tremendous impact on your experience and can do a lot to help you narrow your choices.

If you've always lived in the suburbs, an urban campus can result in culture shock. After a few weeks, you may be in need of grassy fields and open space. On the other hand, if you're used to malls and movie theaters and choose a college in a rural area, will you be racing into the student center at midnight, desperately seeking noise, lights, and people? Think about where you grew up and how much of a change you want.

Campus Size

Are you thinking big? Or do you prefer something much more manageable? Colleges come in all shapes and sizes, from a school in New Hampshire that enrolls less than 100 students to a school like Penn State that can enroll 30,000 or more. Which is better? That depends on your preferences. Do you like being places where everybody knows you, or do you like the anonymity of a crowd? You might even want to think about how far you want to walk between classes. Large schools typically have large campuses, as well as a healthy selection of student services and things to do. On the other hand, a smaller college may offer individualized attention, as well as a more intimate and personalized experience for each student.

College Type

Despite popular belief, all college are different. Some devote much of their time and resources to research. Others focus their attention on teaching and learning. Some have a specialty in one area, while others are known for providing students a broad end enriching education. Other differences to consider include whether schools are single sex or coed, if have a religious affiliation. There are a variety of colleges that focus on a particular ethnicity. Your options are almost limitless and your personal learning style, preferences, and available resources will help you find the place where you'll best succeed.

There are many factors to consider when deciding where you want to go to college. Begin by considering location, campus size, and type. By knowing the kind of university you wish to attend, you can narrow your choices and focus on curriculum and affordability.

Written by Michael Fleischner