college comparisons, 2017 university rankings

The 50 Best Colleges in the United States: 2017 Rankings

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Our Top 50 Best College award is the most-selective honor in our 2017 Best Colleges rankings. We analyzed data on each school from thousands across the country and selected the 50 best of the four-year colleges throughout the nation. This list includes schools of all sizes, with varying majors and both public and private institutions. …

tips tools & advice

Mental Health Handbook for College Students

By Katelyn McAdamLast updated on December 22, 2022

Mental health awareness efforts have become common on college and university campuses across the U.S. According to the American Psychological Association, more students are seeking treatment at college counseling centers than ever before. But why is this? Is it because of stress, increased availability of drugs and alcohol, or are we just talking about it …

tips tools & advice

Should I Bring a Computer to College?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

Wondering whether you should bring a laptop to college or not? Wonder no more! While we can’t give you an exact answer, we are able to bring up points you may not have thought about. In the end, it’s going to be up to you to make the decision, but we’re happy to help along …

tips tools & advice

Mistakes College Freshmen Make

By Laura DavisonLast updated on December 22, 2022

College can be a culture shock for a lot of freshmen. Moving to a new city, making all new friends and being on your own can be stressful and tough to navigate. Luckily, we’ve identified common mistakes in college that freshmen make and helpful tips and tricks to avoid them. Blowing Off Syllabus Week A …

college majors & minors

5 Bizarre College Majors in the U.S.

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

For every ordinary, there is extraordinary. A majority of college students might find themselves pursuing more traditional degrees. However, for some college-bound scholars traditional is not the way to go. There are a number of bizarre and unusual majors out there in the wide world of college. For example, in the UK you can major …

affordability & college cost

15 Surprisingly Affordable Colleges for Midwestern Middle Class Families

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many middle class families in the Midwest think that their only affordable college options are the state schools. While these may be great options, they are certainly not the only affordable schools for these students and families. Before we jump in to which colleges we found to be most affordable for middle class Midwestern families, it’s important …

affordability & college cost

Don’t Wait to Figure Out The Cost of College

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022

As recently as 3 or 4 years ago, financial aid had a season. It was limited and finite, but much like Christmas music that begins to play before Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day decorations that spring up January 2nd, financial aid season has also been affected by seasonal “creep”. It used to be that you couldn’t …

college search

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Things to Keep in Mind When Starting College

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

For hard of hearing and deaf students in colleges and universities, there can be a variety of obstacles on the path to pursuing higher education. Institutions typically leave the students in charge of finding and figuring out the accommodations they need.  It’s unlike high school where much of this process was decided between teachers, administrators, …

tips tools & advice

How to Deal with Over-Involved Parents at College

By Rose ScottLast updated on December 22, 2022

When I was a student, I had a friend whose mom was “a helicopter parent” taking extreme care of her offspring. To what extent? Well, she helped her student with accomplishing 80 percent of college assignments, had constant cell phone monitoring, and got in touch with teachers whenever the kid got a low grade. Did this over-protection …

student life

Do’s and Don’ts: Meeting Your Academic Advisor for the First Time

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Academic advisors (sometimes called college counselors) are one of the greatest resources for college students. Libraries can help with research projects, writing centers can help with essays, academic advisors can help with your entire college career—from classes, to programs, to career prep. Here are a few tips and tricks to meeting with a college academic …