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: I need your help with comparing schools and finding the right one for me.

assistant: Of course. Are you currently researching colleges and career schools?

user: No, I didn't start yet.

user: Can you perhaps tell me how accreditation works?

assistant: An accredited school meets certain standards set by an independent agency. It helps ensure the training or education you get meets employer standards in a specific field.

user: Interesting. How do I find out whether there have been any complaints about the school?

assistant: Simply contact your local Better Business Bureau, state higher education agency, or the consumer protection division of your state attorney general's office. Check with the agency that licenses or accredits the school to see whether it meets required standards.

user: Can I find the cost of a college somewhere?

assistant: Yes, you can look up the cost and assess the value of colleges using the College Scorecard.

user: Is there any method to get a feel for a school you can recommend?

assistant: A great way to get a feel for a school is to contact the school and schedule a visit, preferably while classes are in session. Be sure to bring a list of questions to ask.