3 Questions to Start Your College Search

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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were over 4,000 degree-granting institutions of higher education in the U.S. in 2009, and they ranged from specialized schools with under 200 students to large universities with enrollments topping 500,000. So how do you pick the school that's right for you?

A wide range of factors go into any college decision, including career goals, budget, location and lifestyle. But before you can settle down to decide among your top options, you need to be able to answer these three questions about what kind of school is right for you.

1. Campus or Online?

Campus-based schools: Traditional schools offer programs that require attendance in set locations at set times. Campus-based schools may be primarily residential, with many students living in dorms or apartments near campus; primarily commuter, with most students driving in for classes and then leaving; or a mix of both.

• What you need to succeed: Campus-based schools require you to fit into their schedule, so you'll need the ability to be on-campus for long periods of time during the week. You should be comfortable speaking up in group settings and willing to work with other people.
• This might be right for you if: You benefit from face-to-face instruction; you need set deadlines and regular goals to stay on track; you learn well by discussion, group work or one-on-one interaction; or if there are schools near you with programs in your field of interest, or you can relocate for school.

Online schools: These can offer programs that are completely online or hybrid, with a blend of campus-based and online courses. Online courses can be synchronous, meaning that students gather online at set times during the week, or asynchronous, meaning that students log on whenever they are able to complete course requirements. Online courses generally allow students to download readings and course materials, listen to lectures and podcasts online, and submit assignments, essays, and tests via the Internet. Hybrid programs may require students to complete labs, practicums or internships at designated locations.

• What you need to succeed: Online students need superior organization skills, comfort with technology, access to high-speed Internet connection and a computer, and a strong support network. You also need strong work ethic--many people mistakenly assume an online education is easier than a campus-based one, but in fact, many students report online programs can be harder because students must be self-motivated.
• This might be right for you if: You work full- or part-time, have a family or live in a rural area; you work well independently and have strong time management skills; you have clear career goals and motivation to finish your degree.

2. Two-year or four-year?

Two-year: Community colleges, offer certificates and associate degrees, which typically take two years to complete. Community colleges tend to be cheaper than their four-year counterparts and offer sufficient training for a wide range of careers. Many students also opt to attend a two-year college and then transfer to a four-year school.

• What you need to succeed: Many two-year college students live off-campus, so you'll need to be disciplined about your studies and willing to go out of your way to make connections with classmates and professors. If you plan to go on to a four-year school, make sure you meet with academic advisers early in your program to ensure your credits will transfer.
• This might be right for you if: You are looking to save money; you want a targeted degree program that quickly prepares you for the workforce; you need some remedial classes or want to improve your GPA before moving on to a more challenging four-year program.

Four-year: Schools offering a traditional four-year bachelor's degree range from small, private colleges to enormous public universities. Bachelor's degrees require a combination of specific coursework in your major with a wide range of general education requirements. Many four-year colleges offer on-campus living and a variety of extracurricular activities, from intramural and NCAA sports to student clubs and opportunities for volunteering or other forms of activism.

• What you need to succeed: Graduating from a four-year college in four years can be tricky. If you're undecided about your major, focus on taking your general education requirements in your first year. Meet with advisers and professors to find out what courses interest you. Many students attending a four-year college are living away from home for the first time--get involved in activities to make new friends and take advantage of the wide range of opportunities around you.
• This might be right for you if: You are looking for a well-rounded education that exposes you to new ideas and requires courses outside your main areas of interest; you have four (or more!) years to invest in your education; you're not sure what you want to study and need some time to figure it out; you are looking to go on to graduate or professional school.

3. Large or small?

Large: Big universities can have on-campus student enrollments ranging from 10,000 to nearly 100,000. These universities offer a wide range of courses and activities due to their size, but some students have trouble being a small fish in a big pond.

• What you need to succeed: You need to be proactive about asking for help. Professors at large universities have lots of students and courses may be taught in large lecture halls. Make yourself more than a face in the crowd by going to office hours and speaking up in class. The sheer number of clubs and activities may seem overwhelming, but the easiest way to make new friends and get comfortable in your new surroundings is to pick a few activities and get involved.
• This might be right for you if: You're comfortable seeking out help when you need it; you like meeting new people and thrive in a busy, crowded environment; you want to major in a speciality field such as Hungarian literature or astrophysics; you want to take advantage of everything a large school has to offer, from laboratory space for undergraduates to Saturday football games to campus theater.

Small: Colleges with 1,000 to 5,000 students may have a more intimate feel. Although these colleges offer fewer opportunities, students can benefit from more individualized attention. Small colleges may not offer majors in all areas, so make sure your areas of interest are taught at prospective schools.

• What you need to succeed: It can be tough to be anonymous on a small campus, so be prepared to develop relationships with teachers, administrators and classmates. Campus activities may be fewer, but students at small colleges often excel in making their own fun, from late night movie parties to snowball fights on the quad.
• This might be right for you if: You learn best in small classes where you can receive individualized attention from teachers; you enjoy group discussions; you like knowing the people around you, and being known; your areas of interest match the courses and activities offered at your school.

Once you've made these three decisions, you can start to narrow in on specific schools that interest you. Whether you opt for a large, online university or a small, two-year college, selecting a school that matches your needs is the first step toward success in college.