Not sure what college or career school might be right for you? 
Learn about steps you can take to research possible colleges or career schools. While getting the right education and training will help you get a better - paying job , going to college or career school is a big investment in time, money, and effort. Make sure to take your time and research your options. 

How do I find the right college or career school for me? 


Types of Schools 
There is a wide array of schools available for higher education. Options include two- and four - year colleges and universities, vocational, trade, and career schools, online schools, and graduate schools. Different schools serve different purposes. Make sure you choose the type of school that helps you achieve your goals. Remember that financial assistance programs and requirements can vary from school to school. Plus , not all colleges and career schools participate in the federal student aid programs. Always check with a school to find out what financial aid is available there. 

Assess Yourself 
Understanding your career goals and options and their earning potential will help you find a college or career school that meets your needs. The Career Search will help you match your skills and interests with potential careers. 

Use the College Search Tool 
The U.S. Department of Education s college search tool, College Navigator, is a way to find colleges and career schools that may fit your needs. You can search for schools by location, degrees offered, programs and majors, tuition and fees, setting, size, and much more. College Navigator allows you to compare schools, save your session, and export your results into a spreadsheet. 

Check Out Schools (In Person or Remotely) 
To help you narrow down your college or career school options , try the following : Check out the school s website. Lots of colleges and career schools offer virtual tours, so you can still see the campus, even if you can t visit in person. Attend colle

user: Can you give me any advice on how to choose a school?

assistant: Are you currently researching colleges and career schools?

user: Not at the moment.

user: What is the refund policy if I stop attending classes before completing my course work?

assistant: If you begin attending classes but leave before completing your course work, you might be able to get some of your money back.

user:  Is there a way to research a school without going there in person?

assistant: Yes, sure. Lots of schools offer virtual tours on their websites. You can see their campus and know more about the school without visiting in person.

user: And for the undergraduate programs, is there any test I need to take during the admission process?

assistant: You most probably will be required to take either the SAT or the ACT test.

user: Ok. And how could I research the school's reputation?

assistant: You can contact your Better Business Bureau, state higher-education agency, or the consumer protection division of your state attorney general's office to check if the school has received any complaints. You can also check with the agency that licenses or credits the school to see if they meet the required standards.