There are colleges with four-year graduation rates in the single digits. Graduation rates in the 30s, especially at regional public universities.

If you can't graduate from college in 4 years, it will cost you a lot more money including living expenses, tuition, and your time.

When you are calculating the cost of a college degree, you should consider the graduation rate. If most students at that school take 5 or 6 years to graduate, you should consider more.

Some colleges have higher graduation rates than others because:

Colleges are selective about the students they accept. The best students usually complete their degree programs before or within four years. Colleges with poor student intakes often cannot do this.

Schools with specialized programs in fields such as engineering, nursing, and education are more likely to have five-year degrees than many other fields in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

Many universities have a high proportion of out-of-town students, working students, or students with families. Therefore, the need for them to complete their course in 4 years is often higher.

Colleges with open admissions or no admissions generally have lower graduation rates.

Faculty/Student Ratio

The faculty/student ratio is an important factor to consider when researching universities.

Most of the country's most prestigious schools and universities have high faculty/student ratios..

For example, if a university has a faculty/student ratio of 1/20, you'll understand that classes are often crowded, professors are often overworked, and your opportunities for one-on-one interaction with professors are greatly reduced. Consider a faculty/student ratio of 1/15 or higher.

Good financial support

You will not be able to attend a university if you do not have enough financial resources. Some universities have very good financial aid such as scholarships, tuition waivers for poor students or good students.

You can compare both public and private universities. Private universities often have significantly better financial aid than most public universities.

Travel opportunities for students

Countries around the world are interconnected and interdependent. As you search for the perfect university, learn about travel and study abroad opportunities for students. These will be great opportunities for you to learn, research and gain experience.

Clubs and activities for students

Most colleges advertise the number of groups and activities they offer to students. The number, however, is not as important as the nature of the activities. Before choosing a college, find out about the clubs and activities available to students.

If you enjoy performing arts, outdoor activities, sports, or volunteering, check out these top college clubs.

College Employment Rate

How many % of university graduates can find a job in their field and succeed in their career – this is probably the most important factor that you care about when choosing a university to apply to. Universities that have links with recruitment agencies are often chosen by many candidates.

Good infrastructure

Most universities have good facilities, but some are better than others. Whether it is for your studies or your personal interests, you should choose a university that has facilities that meet your needs.

Consider questions like the following:

Are the laboratories equipped with the necessary specialist software to support learning?

What are the printing facilities like on campus?

How is the school's wireless network? How is the school's computer system?

What is the school's "smart classroom" system like?

Can the school lend laptops, projectors, cameras, and other equipment to students?

Do universities provide training in essential software like PowerPoint, Excel, and Photoshop?

Do universities provide internet access for dormitory students?