The Cost of a Private College and College Life Karly Barraza Brockett, M.Ed. Associate Director of Admissions California Institute of Technology

Types of Universities and Colleges: Colleges and Universities are like shoes, one size does not fit all and that includes cost… Liberal Arts Colleges –Private, Residential Public Universities –In State vs. Out of State Costs Private Universities –Distinct characteristics

Useful identifiers to help decide where you want to go… Rural vs. Urban Small vs. Large Type of Institution Academic Interests Extracurricular Interests Residential vs. Commuter Distance from Home *Cost

Types of Private Colleges Residential Campus –Requirement to live on campus: costs included Liberal Arts Colleges –Undergraduate study in liberal arts and sciences, exposure to broad curriculum –Majority residential requirement Religious –Required religious services, classes, community service Academic Specific –Highly focused, research rich, more tailored

How to help decide types of colleges… Academic Offering –Are the areas of interest in studying offered? –What are the required courses you take once enrolled? –When will you start taking courses in your area of interest? Advanced Preparation –What prerequisites are there for the school? For the area of study? –What classes can you start taking now to prepare? –What kind of activities can you do to get exposure in the field Research Opportunities –When can you do research? –Is it guaranteed? –Is it paid? Class Experience –Who is teaching you? –Student to faculty ratio? –Average class sizes? –Where are students coming from? Outcomes –Graduation rates? –What are graduates doing? –Employment? –Graduate school?

Campus Life Residential Campus –Living on campus –Dorms/Resident Halls –Greek Life –Apartment Style Living –Student Lounges –Dining Halls

Clubs, Athletics, Activities Political Social Special Interests Athletics Community Involvement Cultural Groups

Support Resources & Services Tutors Library Writing Centers Faculty Access Counseling Accommodations Health Services Medical Services Job Placement

Private College Costs Private colleges are typically more expensive than public schools No difference in cost if you are in state or out of state Endowments, grant aid, and financial aid can often discount total student cost and sometimes private schools can be less expensive than public schools FACTOR IN YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD

“I cannot afford a private college.” False: “You can afford to attend a private college!” Types of funding: –Merit Scholarship Academic Based Special Talent –Work Study College student friendly –Financial Aid Loans CSS Profile FAFSA

Types of Merit Based on financial circumstances Based on other student characteristics Academic talent Music ability, artistic talent, etc. Leadership skills Athletic ability Age, job (policemen, firemen, etc.) Other

Helpful Websites College Websites –Virtual tours, bloggers, mailing lists, online newsletters You University! College Board NACAC px px

Questions?