The Student’s Guide to College Planning

While all accredited colleges award degrees and offer similar student support services, the type of school you attend can impact how much you pay for your education, which fields of study you can choose from, and your overall college experience.

Here are seven of the most common types of higher education institutions. We recommend consulting your high school guidance counselor for help figuring out which type of school may suit you best.

All states are home to public colleges and universities. These schools receive state funding to provide residents with a quality education — typically at a lower cost than private schools.

Out-of-state students may apply, but public schools often cap the number of out-of-state learners they admit each year. What’s more, out-of-state students typically pay a significantly higher tuition rate than in-state students.

If one of your main goals is to save money, strongly consider your city and state colleges and universities when researching schools. Lower tuition rates can help you avoid incurring large amounts of student debt.

Though they usually cost a lot more than public schools, private colleges and universities may offer a host of additional benefits. Depending on the institution, learners may have access to more undergraduate research opportunities, world-renowned professors, and valuable networking opportunities. Networking is often key when applying for entry-level jobs and graduate programs.

Private schools encompass an array of institutions, from small liberal arts colleges specializing in more niche fields of study to large research universities. Additionally, many top private schools have big endowments, resulting in better institutional financial aid opportunities for students.

A typical community college awards mainly associate degrees and certificates. Full-time students usually earn an associate degree in two years. Many students attend community college to complete their general education requirements at a lower price before transferring to a four-year university to earn their bachelor’s degree.

Community college may also appeal to those who are undecided about their career or major. Classes often cost less than they do at four-year schools, giving you the chance to explore different subjects without breaking the bank.

For-profit colleges don’t have the best reputation or track record in the higher education space, but for some career-minded students they can be a solid choice. Whereas nonprofit schools’ main goals are to educate students, for-profit schools aim to generate money.

The biggest pros of for-profit institutions are higher acceptance rates, flexible class offerings, and a focus on skills-based training. Cons include high tuition costs, unrecognized or disputed credentials, and even the risk of lawsuits.

Recent high school graduates and nontraditional students may prefer to earn an online degree.

One of the main advantages of online colleges is the option of asynchronous learning, which allows students to complete their coursework largely on their own schedule without having to meet at specific times. This flexibility may allow degree-seekers to work full time and more easily balance other obligations like childcare.

In addition to flexibility, online learning can offer financial benefits. For example, out-of-state online students may qualify for in-state tuition rates. Distance learners can also sometimes download free textbooks. Online students can access many resources available to their on-campus counterparts, such as library databases and career services.

Trade schools — also known as vocational schools — and technical colleges offer a more direct pathway for students to enter the workforce. Some of the biggest benefits of trade schools include lower tuition costs, faster graduation timelines, and the opportunity to acquire and hone real-world experience.

What’s more, many trades are in high demand, meaning trade school graduates may find it easier to get a job right out of school.

Special focus institutions refer to colleges that award degrees in a limited number of academic areas.

Most of these schools are affiliated with a larger institution, such as Harvard University‘s Harvard Medical School and Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Many students who earn a master’s or doctoral degree enroll in a special focus institution.

Special focus institutions may also accept undergraduates in fields such as engineering and the arts.

Though some schools offer additional majors, they typically appeal to prospective learners with clear academic and career paths in mind. If you want to explore a variety of majors your first year of college, a special focus institution may not be the best fit.

Applying to college entails keeping track of many important dates and deadlines. These deadlines are associated with college applications, SAT and ACT prep, scholarship applications, and the FAFSA.

When you start college planning, use a calendar or planner to help you stay on top of every deadline.

If you need help, visit your high school’s college planning center or make an appointment to speak with your guidance counselor. Your counselor can walk you through key deadlines and offer valuable advice about what you can start doing now to prepare for college application season.

Below is a college planning checklist high school students can use to keep track of key milestones and goals. You can also download the checklist here.

Students entering high school often find themselves inundated with opportunities to learn about higher ed. Even though college typically remains a full four years away, ninth grade is a crucial year for college prep, as it’s when grades begin counting toward your cumulative high school GPA.

Ninth graders should primarily focus on choosing classes to fulfill college prerequisites. Most colleges and universities maintain the same set of general requirements:

Students who begin fulfilling college course requirements in ninth grade may be able to enjoy a more relaxed schedule their junior and senior years, allowing them to pursue other college prep programs and activities in their spare time.

As you review your high school’s course offerings, consider challenging yourself in one or more subjects you enjoy by taking honors classes (if available at your school).

Spend time looking into relevant career paths that align with your interests and/or the subjects in which you excel. You may want to keep a list of career opportunities that appeal to you the most.

In terms of college prep, the second half of high school is far more intensive than the first. College-bound high school students must complete many different tasks during their junior and senior years. The more they accomplish in 11th grade, the more pressure they can remove from themselves in 12th grade.

Held in October each year, the PSAT helps you prepare for the SAT (or ACT). Doing exceptionally well on this exam can qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship as well.

Juniors should take the ACT or SAT in the fall or spring (or both, if desired). Create a study plan at least a few months before your test date to help you earn a high SAT or ACT score.

You might also consider using free SAT or ACT resources, buying SAT or ACT prep books, or signing up for online SAT or ACT prep classes.

AP classes and tests give you the chance to earn college credit and impress college admissions officers. Talk to a teacher or advisor and consider taking 1-3 AP classes in your best subjects.

Alternatively, you may take IB classes if your school offers them. Earning an IB diploma can reflect positively on you during college admissions, and high scores on IB exams can similarly earn you college credit.

Juniors should start putting together a tentative list of colleges. You can further prepare for the future by researching student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

As you research colleges, compile a “top schools” list of institutions that interest you the most. Aim for 5-10 schools. Feel free to modify this list as your interests and goals evolve.