Guides for Making Any Decision

Guide
Choosing A College Is About More Than The Price Tag

For many families, the value of a college education goes beyond tuition and financial aid. Class size, faculty engagement, academic rigor, campus culture, and the overall learning environment all shape the experience a student will have over four years.

Families weigh these factors differently depending on what matters most to them. Some focus on personalized attention, others on academic challenge, others on values and community, and some on how to plan for the cost of a private education. Explore the perspectives that matter to you.

Updated January 2026 5 min read

What do you want to learn about?

The Impact of Small Classes and Personalized Attention

Assessing Academic Rigor and Faculty Engagement

Finding a Campus Culture and Community that Fit

Planning for the Cost of a Private College Education

External Links

  1. 1
    Class Size Reduction Research Visit Site
  2. 2
    Benefits of a Small Class Size in College - Furman University Visit Site
  3. 3
    Small Classes, Big Possibilities | AASA Visit Site
  4. 4
    The Teacher's Perspective: The Benefits of Smaller Class Sizes Visit Site