There are several criteria involved in choosing which school is best suited for you. While some students prefer the anonymity of a large student body, other students would rather the specialized attention of a smaller college. Some students enjoy studying in an urban environment, while others prefer a more secluded campus. State schools will usually cost far less than private colleges. However, private colleges often have better facilities due to their larger revenue and budget.
Ethnic diversity is also an important issue to many people.
You will certainly want to make sure that the schools you choose have strong departments in you field. Consider the school's reputation, and look into their career services office. The Transfer Center has several books which list colleges and universities across the United States. These books briefly describe the different schools, while providing courses offered for every campus, tuition rates, and contact addresses. In addition, the Transfer Center houses catalogs from nearly 100 four-year colleges and universities in California and across the country.