Researching College Options

📚 Academic Fit: What Will Help You Succeed in College?

Finding your best-fit college means more than just getting accepted — it’s about choosing a place where you’ll thrive academically.

Think About:

• 👥 Class Sizes – Do you prefer smaller discussion-based classes or large lectures?

• 🎓 Strength of Program – Is your intended major well-developed and respected?

• 🔬 Research & Internship Opportunities – Will you have hands-on learning experiences?

• 📚 Rigor of Courses – Do you want a more academically challenging environment or a balanced workload?

• 🏫 Campus Resources – Libraries, labs, study spaces, and academic support

• 🤝 Tutoring Services – Is academic help easy to access when you need it?

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🔍 Academic Research Tools & General College Search Engines

These tools will help you evaluate colleges based on academics, cost, outcomes, and more:

📊 SchooLinks

• Paid for by Parkway

• Offers scattergrams to show GPA/test scores of North students admitted

• Visualizes how your stats compare to previous applicants

📈 College Simply

• See how your GPA and test scores compare to accepted students

• Estimate your chances of admission at thousands of colleges

♿ NCCSD (National Center for College Students with Disabilities)

• Resources for students with disabilities

• Information on campus accessibility, accommodations, and legal rights

💵 College Scorecard

(U.S. Department of Education)

• Compare colleges based on:

  • 🎓 Graduation rates

  • 💰 Average annual cost

  • 💼 Median earnings after graduation

🧭 BigFuture by College Board

• Create a college list with:

  • 🎯 Safety schools

  • ⚖️ Target schools

  • 🚀 Reach schools

• Filter by location, majors, test policies, and more

🏆 Princeton Review

• Known for detailed college rankings and reviews

• Insight into campus life, academics, and financial aid

🚫 FairTest

• Updated list of 4-year colleges with test-optional or test-free ACT/SAT policies

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🩺 Accelerated Medical Programs

🕒 6-Year & 7-Year BS/MD Programs

Some colleges offer combined undergraduate and medical programs that let you:

• 🎓 Earn a Bachelor’s and MD degree in 6 or 7 years

• 🚀 Save time and secure a spot in med school early

🤝 Social Fit: Will You Feel at Home on Campus?

College is more than just classes — it’s also about where you feel welcome, supported, and connected.

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🏡 Think About:

• 📍 Location – City, suburbs, or rural? Close to home or far away?

• 🌍 Diversity – Will you meet people with different cultures, ideas, and perspectives?

• 🏈 Athletics – Are you interested in school sports or intramural teams?

• 🎨 Student Organizations & Clubs – Are there opportunities to get involved?

• 🎉 Greek Life – Is fraternity/sorority culture something you want?

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🔍 Tools to Explore Social Fit

📈 College Simply

• Search for a college and click on the “Diversity” tab

• View data on student demographics, gender ratio, and more

💬 Niche

• Real reviews from students and alumni

• Rankings on campus diversity, student life, food, housing, and more

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🌐 Identity-Based College Resources

Use these resources to find colleges that support your background, culture, and identity:

🏛️ HBCU Resources (Historically Black Colleges & Universities)

• 🌟 HBCU First - Map of HBCUs with links to their websites and social media accounts.

• 💬 HBCU Connect - Filter HBCUs by major and state.

• 📚 HBCU Lifestyle - Articles that highlight HBCUs and what's happening on campus

🌎 Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities

• Resources, programs, and advocacy for Hispanic and Latinx students

✡️ Jewish Student Resources

• 📘 Hillel College Guide

• 🔯 Chabad on Campus

✝️ Catholic College Resources

• 🕊️ Catholic Guide to Colleges

• 🛐 Newman Connection

🌈 LGBTQIA+ College Resources

• 🌟 Campus Pride Index – Search LGBTQ-friendly schools

• 📘 LGBTQ College Guide

🙏 Top Christian Colleges

• Rankings and resources for Christian-affiliated colleges

💸 Financial Fit: Can You Afford This College for the Next 4 Years?

When choosing a college, it's important to consider more than just tuition.

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🧾 Think About:

• 🎓 Tuition – Both in-state and out-of-state rates

• 🏠 Housing – On-campus vs. off-campus living costs

• 🍽️ Meal Plans – Food costs and dining options

• 📚 Books & Supplies – Textbooks, technology, and lab fees

• 🚗 Transportation – Travel costs to and from campus

• 💡 Indirect Costs – Personal expenses, laundry, health insurance, etc.

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🛠️ Tools & Resources for Financial Planning

Remember to look at Financing College for more resources on the FAFSA, CSS, Scholarships, etc.

🧮 Net Price Calculator

• Every college is required to have one on its website

• Get an estimate of your actual cost of attendance after aid

📝 FAFSA Estimator

• Estimates your Student Aid Index (SAI)

• Helps predict potential federal aid eligibility

📄 CSS Profile

• Used by many private colleges in addition to FAFSA

• Check if your college requires it for financial aid

📊 College Data

• Run by 1st Financial Bank

• See how much financial aid each college awarded in previous years

• Compare award letters from different schools

🎓 SchooLinks

• Local and national scholarships posted for North students

• Updated regularly to advertise new opportunities

🏷️ Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

• Automatically offers reduced tuition for out-of-state students

• Available to Missouri residents applying to select schools in participating states

🌍International Students Resources

• MOACAC has compiled a list of international student resources that include lists of colleges that give financial aid to international students.

🏫 Public Colleges and Universities

• Funded by: State governments

• Tuition: Lower for in-state residents; higher for out-of-state students

• Size: Often large, with diverse academic programs

Missouri Examples:

• Harris-Stowe State University
• Lincoln University
• Missouri Southern State University
• Missouri State University
• Missouri University of Science & Technology
• Missouri Western State University
• Northwest Missouri State University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Truman State University
• University of Central Missouri
• University of Missouri – Columbia
• University of Missouri – Kansas City
• University of Missouri – St. Louis

Best for: Students looking for affordability and a wide range of majors

🏛️ Private Colleges and Universities

• Funded by: Tuition, donations, and endowments (not government)

• Tuition: Generally higher than public colleges, but is the same for in-state and out-of-state students

• Size: Varies—often smaller with lower student-to-faculty ratios

• Missouri Examples:

  • Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)

  • St. Louis University (SLU)

  • Maryville University

Best for: Students seeking smaller class sizes and strong academic reputations

🧑‍🔧 Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges)

• Programs: Associate degrees and certificates

• Tuition: Low-cost (could be free with the A+ scholarship), with flexible schedulin

• Transfer Options: Many students transfer to 4-year colleges later

Missouri Examples:

• ​​​​​Crowder College
• East Central College
• Jefferson College
• Metropolitan Community College
• Mineral Area College
• Missouri State University – West Plains
• Moberly Area Community College
• North Central Missouri College
• Ozarks Technical Community College
• St. Charles Community College
• St. Louis Community College
• State Fair Community College
• State Technical College of Missouri
• Three Rivers College

Best for: Budget-conscious students, adult learners, students that want to get into the workforce quicker, or those starting locally

🏫 Liberal Arts Colleges

• Focus: Broad-based education in the humanities, sciences, and arts

• Size: Typically small, with close student-faculty interaction

• Goal: Develop critical thinking and communication skills

• Missouri Examples:

  • Westminster College (Fulton)

  • William Jewell College (Liberty)

  • Stephens College (Columbia)

Best for: Students who want a well-rounded education in a smaller setting

⚙️ Technical and Vocational Schools

• Focus: Career-specific training (e.g., trades, healthcare, IT)

• Programs: Certificates and some associate degrees

• Hands-On Learning: Emphasis on practical skills

• Missouri Examples:

  • State Technical College of Missouri (Linn)

  • Ranken Technical College (St. Louis)

Best for: Students seeking fast entry into a specific job or trade

✝️ Religious-Affiliated Colleges

• Identity: Tied to a specific religion or faith tradition

• Environment: May include faith-based values in campus life or curriculum

• Missouri Examples:

  • Evangel University (Assemblies of God, Springfield)

  • College of the Ozarks (Christian, Point Lookout)

  • Missouri Baptist University (St. Louis)

Best for: Students who want academics integrated with faith and values

🌐 Online Colleges

• Format: Fully or mostly online courses

• Flexibility: Great for working adults or non-traditional students

• Accreditation Matters: Always verify a school’s credentials

• Missouri Examples:

  • University of Missouri Online (Mizzou Online)

  • Park University (Offers many online programs)

  • Missouri State Online

Best for: Students needing flexible schedules or studying from a distance