1. Size
A college’s class and campus size are equally important elements to consider when choosing where to spend the next few years of your educational journey.
Large schools, like public state schools with 30,000 students, may have more class offerings and student organizations, but the campus is often more spread out and could require greater commute times. Also expect larger class sizes and a larger student-to-faculty ratio with classes often taught by teaching assistants rather than professors.
Smaller schools, like private colleges with 5,000 students, foster more personal relationships with professors through smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction. Drake, for instance, has an outstanding 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio with all classes taught by professors rather than teaching assistants. A university this size typically has a campus that fits within the span of several square blocks, and buildings are usually no more than a 10-minute walk.
And despite its smaller size, you might be surprised to learn that Drake has more than 170 student organizations, almost guaranteeing that you’ll find something that aligns with your passions and interests.
2. Location
A college’s urban or rural location is an influential factor in making your college decision as well as what distance from home you are most comfortable with. Schools in big cities often have more robust job and alumni networks to connect with. There are also more activities to partake in beyond campus, such as concerts or volunteering, where you can engage with larger communities.
Campuses that are in rural areas foster a strong sense of campus community, provide easier access to nature, and are often quieter—but may have fewer amenities and internship opportunities.
Curious about life in Des Moines? See what Iowa’s capital city has to offer.
3. Programs
Keep in mind the academic programs and majors offered when selecting a school. Apply to schools that offer your intended major, but also research how easy it is to change majors. About one-third of undergraduate students change their major at least once, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Sometimes, these changes are very minor, and sometimes they completely change their college experience and path to graduation. Finding what works for you and what you’re passionate about is something that takes time and can only be learned through experience.
Some colleges and universities, like Drake, offer open or undecided majors. These majors allow students to complete the general education curriculum for their school while providing the time and space to decide what major(s) they want to pursue. It is okay to be undecided in your major when you enroll in college. Think of it as a steppingstone to a career. Browse all of Drake’s programs.
4. Community
Access to communities for personal and professional development is an element that draws students to certain colleges. Student life organizations often include student publications, career-oriented groups, fraternity and sorority life, performing groups, political organizations, and more. When exploring a school’s student life, consider your interests. Do you enjoy playing an instrument, but don’t want to be a performance major? See if your school offers non-major bands or wind symphonies. Are you a student of color or part of the LGBTQ+ community and want to meet others who can empathize with your experiences? See if the school offers student groups that support those identities.
Athletics may also be an important factor for some potential students. School sports teams connect students, alumni, and members of the community in supporting their home team. Whether you’re interested in playing on the team or cheering from the sidelines, look into the culture of athletic events.
5. Internship and Career Opportunities
Potential internships and post-graduation job placements, in addition to networking opportunities, are also key factors in the college decision. Bigger towns and cities are more likely to have well-known companies with increased hiring availability, ensuring higher success for placements and work experience.
Hands-on experience can be gained through an internship on or off campus and can help students stand out after graduation. Each school has a career services departmentdedicated to supporting students’ success. These departments often host job fairs for networking with potential employers, offer mock interviews to practice before the real deal, and are in the know about what companies are hiring for internships.
Schools also put out accomplishment rate data each year. This data includes the percentage of students who graduated in the previous year who are employed, enrolled in graduate or professional school, or are involved in an activity related to their professional goal. The higher this percentage, the more successful that graduating class was in getting employed.
College Comparison Checklist
Want to see how Drake compares to other schools you’re evaluating? Download our college comparison checklist.
