Assuming you already have an idea of what you want to do for a career, most employers don’t really care where you get your undergraduate degree from, only that you got your degree from an accredited program. It does matter where you get your graduate degree from, but that’s a different question! Check your in-state universities first. If they support accredited programs in your desired major, then there is absolutely no reason to shoot for out-of-state undergraduate college (….unless you just hate your state and want to get out…then by all means, look out of state). Out-of-state tuition is roughly 2-3 times as expensive as in-state tuition, and it is REALLY hard to get an undergraduate scholarship at an out-of-state school unless you are really top-of-the-line. In most cases, you’ll get offered an in-state scholarship before you’ll get offered an out-of-state scholarship. It never hurts to apply out of state, though. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Note that everything I just said above is void if your career goal is to be a doctor or a lawyer. It seems that those careers play by different rules, and medical/law schools do consider the reputation of your undergraduate school. But if one of these jobs is your career goal, then money should be no object and you should spend (meaning borrow….i.e. student loans) what it takes to get the best education possible so that you can set yourself apart early from your peers. Getting into medical/law school can be VERY competitive!!

For scholarships, check the financial aid websites for the schools at which you’d like to apply. Also, search for any professional organizations related to your field of interest. These organizations often offer annual scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, check the government FAFSA website. Government pell grants can be a great way to pay for school, though you usually need to be married to take advantage of them.

Second, for the college search, try the Princeton Review’s college search site (link below). You plug in your info (test scores, size of school, geographic region, etc.), and it will come back with a list of schools that fit those criteria.

Also, definately check out the websites for your own state’s public universities (things like UMass Amherst, or U of Georgia, depending on your state.) Those can often be a huge bargain, and are usually worth a serious look.

i would recommend this site: http://www.fastweb.com/

You just need to create your profile of what you are looking for in a school. It will then come up with a list of possible schools that might interest you. You can click on any of the schools to find out the basics and if you are still interested their is a link to the schools website to learn more. In addition the site also uses your profile to search for scholarships that you are eligible for and guide you to their sites to learn what you need to do to earn the scholarship. All of it is free and very easy. Best of luck

The best way to try to narrow down college choices is to go visit schools – and visit a diverse array of schools (some that you think you have no interest in). Also, always feel free to call admission representatives and chat with them. I worked in admission for four years at a selective liberal arts school – and I loved working with individual students because I was proud of my institution. When you talk with an admission person, in many cases they can be a good gauge for you to get a glimpse of the school.

One place to check out: www.ctcl.com

There is a guide published by US News & World Report, also available on the web, that rates the colleges. Not everyone agrees with the ratings, but they are helpful. If you seach on US News & World Report College ratings, you should find it.

on the other hand if you don’t want to be close to home then

in other states other parts of your state. if you belong in college then youll find the perfect one butt if you dont belong your most likely to get the wrong one.

I also did (and still do) check fastweb.com for opportunities.

fastweb.com for scholarships