Top Ten Things to Look for in a California College

There are a variety of factors which should be considered before attending a California college, but some things are more critical for you to review. After you put all of the time and effort into researching your major, you still have many other things to take into account before deciding on which college in California is right for you. Choosing a college is one of the biggest life decisions a person will have in their life, so it is important that proper time is allocated to doing the research. Below we have complied the top ten things that you should look into for each California college you are considering on attending to further your education.

1. Cost of California College Tuition and Fees
   The cost of tuition and fees at California colleges and universities is on the rise, so students are becoming even more concerned about how they will pay for their higher education. It is essential that you review the fees and tuition at each college you consider, so you can make an educated decision on which schools work best for your budget. Just because you can get the loans to go to the most expensive school, does not mean you have to attend, as you still have to pay that money back after graduation. Make sure you understand all of your finances and your tuition and fee limits, so you can easily narrow down the California colleges on your list.
2. Location, Location, Location
   California is a big state, and the college you attend will somewhat dictate what you will be able to do while not in class. If you are planning to stay living at home, then you need to only compare local or online colleges. However if you plan on moving to California from out of state or moving out of your home, then you should factor in the location of the school which you will choose to enroll. Some of the most sought after colleges in the state are those which are close to the beach, because they offer students so much to do when not in class or studying.
3. Class Sizes
   Many students prefer being in a small class because it is more conducive to learning, and they get to establish a closer relationship with their teachers. If all of your classes are 50-100 people, it might be tough to get the proper attention you might need if you have difficulties in a class. This is why so many students prefer smaller California State Universities or career colleges, as opposed to bigger UC institutions. Almost every college makes class size information easily accessible to students as it is a critical component to factor in when deciding on a California college.
4. Social Scene & Night Life
   Attending classes for college, studying, and getting good grades are all top priorities when a student enrolls in a California college. However outside of school, most students say one of their biggest priorities would be the social scene and night life around the college. This does not mean that you seek out the top party schools in California, but that you attend a college where you can enjoy yourself when not focused on your education. Luckily many of the most popular California college are in the top social cities in the state like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
5. Cost of Living in the City
   It is not a secret that many cities in the state, like San Francisco, are very expensive to live, so if you have a pricey California college city on your list you need factor that into the equation. Typically the biggest expense for many California college students, is paying for housing, but other things also tend to be more expensive in the bigger cities in the state. This is why many students opt for cheaper cities like Bakersfield, Fresno, or Merced to further their education, because the cost of living is so cheap relative to other cities in the state.
6. Academics and Accreditation
   It is vital that you review which accreditation the colleges or universities have that you are considering enrolling. There are a variety of accrediting bodies with some that are specific to an entire college, and some apply only to a specific section of the college. The best example here is the AACSB which accredits top business colleges, and is a very popular accreditation that business students look for in prospective colleges. In addition, students should also consider what the academics are like at the school, and if the college is known for certain departments on campus.
7. Housing Options
   If you are an incoming freshman out of high school, then you most likely will want to take advantage of the housing on campus. If you are transferring or just looking to stay close to campus, then you should research housing options and availability. Many times it can be tough to obtain a nice place which is close to campus, especially at the more popular schools. Therefore you need to do the research ahead of time so you can ensure you have a place to stay when you start at a California college.
8. Sports & Organizations
   If you are big into college sports and other organizations on campus, then you should review what each college has to offer. This may include Greek organizations, intramural sports, or academic groups. College sports often bring a lot of money into the university, in addition to press and notoriety if the sports teams are successful.
9. Graduation Rates
   Enrolling in a California college does not mean much if you do not graduate with your degree. This is why it is vital to review the graduation rates of students at each college you want to consider, as it is a reflection upon the school. If students are not making it though to completion at a high rate, then there might be flaws in the system. You want to have assurance that the California college you attend wants to ensure that you graduate.
10. Student Body
    Going to a California college is often a time to branch out and meet new people, so it is important to go to a school with a student body that meshes well with your style. If you are big into surfing, then you want to consider college by the beach where those individuals would reside. There are a variety of California colleges to choose from, and each has a unique vibe to it depending on the location and history. Therefore it is necessary to get a sense of what the students are like that you will be with during your college years.