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Finding the right college is a complicated process, but Niche is here to help! A great way to research colleges and start to build your list is to compare colleges side-by-side. With the ability to research over 6,000 colleges, the Niche College Compare Tool allows you to view up to four colleges at a time and examine key factors such as acceptance rate, net price, test scores, as well as the Niche Grade. Create your free account to customize the attribute and see your chances of getting into the college with results from the Niche College Admissions Calculator as you compare and contrast colleges.

Most students on Niche add at least four colleges to their list. The Niche College Compare Tool can help you figure out what colleges to consider and easily add them to your list of colleges with the heart icon. If you want to get even more information about a college and read reviews from students, the full Niche Profile for the college is just a click away.

Not sure where to start your college search or what colleges you want to compare? Take our College Quiz to get a personalized list of colleges to consider based on your preferences. You can also check out the most popular college ranking or explore college majors .

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Maybe you’ve just begun thinking about colleges. Or maybe you’ve already put together a list of potential schools that all look good for different reasons! How do you research and compare colleges to find the best fit for you?

Your College Wish List

Finding college information.

These seven sources for information have become the standard for most college-bound students. Here’s how to use them.

1. College admissions websites, brochures, videos, and catalogs

College websites and brochures aren't exactly objective ,  but you’ll get a good picture of a school’s academic offerings and admissions requirements. Look these materials over, but don’t make any decisions based solely on what you read or see.

2. Current students

No one knows colleges and universities better than the students who currently attend them. Talk to real students when you go on college visits about what they like and don’t like about their schools. It doesn’t get any more direct and honest than this.

3. College guides

Our own Best Colleges and Best Value Colleges are great narrative guides based on real student quotes about their colleges (and you can always look at other guides for good second opinions!).

Read More: How to Choose Dream, Target, and Safety Schools

4. College profiles

There’s a lot of help out there. Our college search helps you compare schools based on criteria like location, size, majors, sports, and test scores requirements. Use our online college profiles to dig into useful information about tuition and financial aid, campus life, the student body, and more.

5. College rankings

Ranking lists provide an excellent starting point for researching different schools and can even introduce you to new ones. Our college ranking lists cover a range of topics that applicants might want to know about—academics, financial aid, campus amenities, the student body's political leanings, race/class interaction, LGBTQ community acceptance, social life, and much more.

6. College forums/discussion boards

Feedback from all kinds of sources is exciting! However, keep in mind that while it may certainly be useful to hear first-hand stories and opinions, any unfiltered sources should usually be approached with a grain (or two) of salt.

Read More: What To Do and Ask at a College Fair

7. Your college counselor

Conversations with your college counselor about what’s important to you will help guide your overall college search. When it comes time apply, you’ll review the requirements together and strategize for your best application.

Tips for Making College Comparisons

• Look back at your wish list. It's probably been growing continuously as you become more and more aware of what is important to you in your college choice.
• Try structuring your list in the form of a chart . A handy visual aid allows you to quickly see how different schools measure up. Check off colleges when they have characteristics you want.
• It’s all about you. How much weight you give to a particular campus statistic, facility, or feature depends on your unique goals and interests. Knowing that one college on your radar funds summer internships while another has a nationally-recognized student newspaper could help you decide.
• See how you stack up. It's also important to look at each college's admissions standards and student body. Compare your GPA, SAT or ACT scores, class rank, and high school courses to see if schools you are considering are a good academic fit. You can find the average academic statistics of the most recent incoming class in our college profiles .

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Getting a College Degree Online: What You Should Know

Online learning is more popular than ever as an increasing number of students pursue their degrees online. While online education was accelerated during the pandemic, college students continue to enjoy the flexibility, affordability, and wide range of online degree programs available.

Online learning also allows college students to continue working and managing their home lives while achieving a college degree. Plus, employers now recognize and respect the value of online education just as much as traditional, in-person programs.

So, what do you need to know to get a college degree online? We’re glad you asked.

Below we cover everything you need to know about getting a college degree online, including what types of online degrees are available and where students can start.

What is an online degree?

An online degree is an undergraduate or graduate award that you can earn through distance learning and, specifically, an online college or university. Online degrees make it possible for more people to achieve better careers and job stability by offering an alternative to the traditional, on-campus degree program.

Online degree programs allow students to attend college courses from the comfort of their own home or anywhere with an internet connection. Students complete their coursework online through distance learning, learning management systems (LMS), and tools such as:

• Collaboration tools: Discussion forums and video conferencing software allow you to connect with classmates and professors.
• Course reference materials: Access a variety of resources, such as audio and video files, PDFs, presentations, syllabi, and readings.
• Exams and quizzes: Take exams, quizzes, and assignments online.
• Grades and progress reports: Track your progress and see your grades easily.
• Live or recorded lectures: Depending on the program, you may have access to live or pre-recorded lectures.
• Technical support services: Many online programs offer technical support to help you navigate the online learning environment.

Lastly, online degree programs make college more accessible for anyone seeking to advance their education.

What types of degrees can you get online?

Now more than ever, you can earn almost every degree level online , including an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and professional degree.

Keep in mind that online degree offerings will vary by institution. However, online degrees fall into many categories: business, liberal arts, professional studies, and healthcare. For example, Goodwin University offers a range of comprehensive and career-focused online degree programs that can be completed exclusively online or in a hybrid format.

When it comes to an online degree program, courses are offered in the following formats:

• Asynchronous: Asynchronous courses are conducted independently and are available to students on demand; this gives students maximum flexibility to study on their own schedule while meeting class deadlines.
• Synchronous: Synchronous courses are live online sessions at scheduled times. During set virtual classroom hours, students log into video conferencing platforms, complete assignments, interact with peers, and notate live lectures.
• Hybrid: Hybrid courses are a blend of online and on-campus classes. Online courses are primarily written work based on theory. Whereas, on-campus courses are typically held for clinical experiences, hands-on practice, laboratory work, or immersion weekends required for a specific profession, such as nursing. This gives students the flexibility of online learning, as well as valuable practical learning experiences to prepare for their careers.
• Accelerated: Some online degree programs offer students the option to complete their education quickly by enrolling in an accelerated degree program. These online programs are a great way to get a degree quickly and into the workforce. For example, Master’s in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) students at Goodwin University can opt-in to seven weeks of online courses (as opposed to the standard 15-week schedule) and earn their degree in as few as 20 months part-time .

Students should consider their learning styles, preferences, needs, goals, and interests when determining which program format is best for them.

Get started today! Click here to learn more about what Goodwin University offers with their online programs.

Where can you get a college degree online.

Given the popularity of online degree programs, colleges and universities of all shapes and sizes are now offering online degrees. Students should research prospective schools to see what types of degrees their chosen school offers.

They should also ensure that their chosen school is reputable and accredited , as this ensures that they are receiving the best education possible.

Accreditation is the formal recognition that an educational institution meets the academic standards of the Department of Education. Specifically, it designates that an institution or program meets (or exceeds) expectations regarding curriculum, faculty, student success rates, and more.

Students should also consider factors like flexibility, affordability, and the online services and support they will receive. For example, at Goodwin University, our online studies services team offers:

• Academic advising
• Career services
• Financial aid

How to get a college degree online

Getting a college degree online can be just as straightforward, if not more so, than getting a degree in person. Online degrees come with many other benefits like:

• Accessibility: Individuals with busy schedules or geographical limitations have the ability to pursue higher education.
• Self-disciplinary skills development: Online degrees require strong time management and independent learning skills.
• Individualized attention: Smaller online class sizes can provide more interaction with instructors.

Enrolling in an online college degree program has many similarities to enrolling in an in-person one. Students should consider the following steps when looking to get a college degree online:

• Research and choose your program: Identify the online degree program that aligns with your career goals and interests. Consider factors like program format, accreditation, and cost.
• Apply and get accepted: Complete the application process for your chosen program by submitting transcripts, essays, and application fees.
• Enroll and begin your program: Once accepted, finalize your enrollment and start your online coursework. Familiarize yourself with the LMS and use the available support services to set yourself up for success.
• Graduate & start your career: You’ll receive your online degree upon completing your program requirements. Then, it’s time to use your training, knowledge, and skills to advance in your chosen career.

If you are looking to get a college degree online, consider Goodwin University , where you can earn your degree based on your needs, interests, goals, and schedule.

Our online programs are designed so you can do your coursework where and whenever you want to while still obtaining the same quality education you would on campus.

Contact us for more information , and start your future today!

The Types of Colleges: The Basics

Find the right college for you., sorting out colleges by their types.

Is a college the same thing as a university? What does "liberal arts" mean? Why are some colleges called public and others private? Knowing the basics in regard to different types of colleges is imperative to making the right decision.

Public and Private Colleges

Public colleges are funded by local and state governments and usually offer lower tuition rates than private colleges, especially for students who are residents of the state where a college is located.

Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, and non-government funding sources. Generous financial aid packages for students are often available thanks to private donations.

For-Profit Colleges

For-profit institutions are businesses that typically offer career training. Although these colleges offer a variety of degree programs, it's wise to exercise caution when applying to a for-profit school. The degree programs often come at a higher cost, meaning students graduate with more debt. Credits earned may not transfer to other colleges so be sure to check with the admissions office at each institution.

Four-year and two-year colleges

Four-year institutions are referred to as undergraduate colleges. Four-year colleges specifically offer bachelor's degree programs. These include universities and liberal arts colleges.

Two-year colleges offer certificate programs that can be completed in under two years. They also offer two-year associate degrees. These include community colleges, vocational-technical colleges, and career colleges.

Liberal Arts Colleges

These institutions offer numerous courses in liberal arts in areas such as literature, history, languages, mathematics, and life sciences. Most of these institutions are private and offer four-year bachelor's degree programs. These colleges prepare students for a multiplicity of careers as well as graduate studies

Universities

Universities are larger institutions that offer a wider variety of academic majors and degree options. These schools provide bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most universities contain several smaller colleges, such as colleges of education, engineering, or health sciences. These colleges can prepare you for a wide range of careers or for graduate study.

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees that prepare undergraduates for four-year institutions offering bachelor programs. They also provide career-specific associate degrees and certificates. Community colleges are an affordable option because of their low tuition costs. 

What is the difference between a college and a university?

A college is a smaller school that may offer a wide variety of educational programs or more focused specializations for those seeking undergraduate degrees. Standing alone or as part of a larger institution, a college is often a private institution with a lower student population and smaller class sizes. On the other hand, a university is a larger school offering both undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. Because they’re a component of a university's doctoral programs, such institutions also serve as research facilities for educational advancement.

Vocational-Technical and Career Colleges

Vocational-technical and career colleges offer specialized training in a particular industry or career. Areas of study include the culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene, and medical-records technology. These colleges usually offer students certificates or associate degree programs.

Colleges with a Special Focus

Some colleges focus on a specific interest or student population. These include:

• Arts colleges
• Single-sex colleges
• Religiously affiliated colleges
• Specialized mission colleges

Arts Colleges

Conservatories and colleges of this variety focus on the arts. In addition to regular coursework, these institutions provide training in areas such as photography, music, theater, sculpture, drawing, or fashion design. Most of these schools offer associate or bachelor's degrees in the fine arts or a specialized field.

Single-Sex Colleges

Some private colleges are specifically for men or women.

Religiously Affiliated Colleges

Some private, higher-education institutions are connected to a religious faith. Such connections may simply be historic in nature. Others incorporate religious study into day-to-day student life.

Specially Designated Colleges

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) focus on educating African American students. Colleges and universities are designated Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) when at least 25% of the full-time undergraduate students are Hispanic. HBCUs and HSIs may offer programs, services, and activities targeted to the underrepresented students they serve.

What is better, a university or a college?

Those who prefer a more intimate experience with a greater connection to faculty may prefer a college. However, a university may be better for those looking for a broader range of programs and more learning facilities. The ultimate answer will depend on your personal preferences and the school in question. Both colleges and universities can provide a rewarding educational experience.

What to Do Now That You Know About the Different Types of Colleges

Now that you’re familiar with the types of institutions available, you should decide which one will suit your future goals. It’s often helpful to create a vision board of what you plan to achieve before deciding how you plan to achieve it. Take some time to think about your trajectory while keeping the knowledge of these various types of schools in mind. If you need direction after you assess your needs, you may find it helpful to talk to your school's guidance office, a college recruiter, or a college alum to work through any other questions you might have.

Embarking on a journey through higher education can be both exciting and challenging. Using the information presented here should help you sift through your options so the decisions you make today will serve you better in the future. For more help finding the right colleges for you, check out College Search .

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Education | When is a California college degree worth the cost? A new study has answers

BY MIKHAIL ZINSHTEYN | CalMatters

Nathan Reyes lives with his family five minutes from Cal State Los Angeles, where he’s paying close to nothing to earn a bachelor’s degree that typically lands graduates a salary of $62,000 within five years of completing college .

He’s one of hundreds of thousands of California low-income students who attend colleges that, because they’re affordable enough , cost the equivalent of a few months of a typical salary that students earn within a few years of graduation.

A new report today compares California’s colleges by analyzing how long it would take low- and moderate-income students to recoup the money they spent to earn a college credential. It shows that many community colleges, Cal States and University of California campuses — all public campuses — have better returns on investment than most nonprofit private colleges and for-profit institutions.

Reyes’ only expenses are car upkeep, gas, a few books and helping his family with some housing costs. The third-year student didn’t need to take out loans.

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“I feel very lucky,” Reyes, a communications major, said. “In high school, I was always stressing about, ‘Oh, man, I’m gonna have a whole bunch of debt racked up after college’. And now that I’m in my third year, I don’t have to worry about any of that.”

Reyes, who’s 20 years old, receives state grants to cover all his tuition and federal aid for other academic and living expenses . He also works for a state volunteer program that pays students a stipend.

Report calculates time it takes to recoup cost of degree

The report was commissioned by College Futures Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes college completion. The report merges several concepts into one number:

• The net price of a college degree after all financial aid is calculated
• The typical earnings 10 years after a student first enrolls in a school
• How much higher those wages are compared to what young adults earn with just a high school diploma.

It defines low- and moderate-income households as those earning below $75,000 annually.

The data, all from the federal government, show that the time it takes to recoup the net costs of earning a degree at Cal State San Bernardino is less than three months. That’s because low-income students there incur about $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses if they finish in four years. Within a few years they earn about $53,000 a year — double what young adults with only a high school diploma make.

At Cal State Los Angeles, the time to recoup the net costs of earning a bachelor’s is also less than three months of a typical post-college annual salary.

“​​This is really a first-of-its kind look,” said the report’s author, Michael Itzkowitz, who headed the federal government’s first consumer tool for comparing college costs under the Obama administration. The approach is a mathematical way of demonstrating which colleges confer economic value to students beyond what a high school diploma would.

A CalMatters analysis of Iztkowitz’s data found that the average time needed for a student to recoup their net costs is about two years at public institutions and a little over three years at nonprofit private colleges in California.

Some of those private campuses are as affordable as a Cal State, UC or community college after factoring in financial aid. Stanford University costs low-income students nothing. However, only 4% of students who apply are admitted, while all but three Cal States admit more than 70% of the students who apply . Most undergraduates in California attend a public institution .

Pitzer, Pomona and the University of Southern California and several other highly selective nonprofit private colleges cost students less than a year’s worth of the typical salary they’ll earn within a few years of completing their degree.

Return on investment varies by college

While some for-profit colleges have strong returns on investment, most do not.

And that doesn’t even account for the 22 for-profit institutions that show no return on investment, meaning students from those schools earned no more than what a young adult with just a high school diploma makes. In the report, 24 campuses in total, or 8% of all California colleges, showed no return on investment, including two small nonprofit private colleges.

“There are for-profit institutions that can offer an affordable education and good employment outcomes and they’re recognized within the data,” Itzkowitz said. “But what we also see is that there are a disproportionate amount that show more worrisome outcomes for students in comparison to other sectors.”

Most California for-profit colleges, however, predominantly issue certificates, which are shorter-term credentials that don’t regularly lead to the economic gains associated with bachelor’s degrees .

At 79% of California institutions in the report, low and moderate-income students typically recoup their costs in five years or less. For nearly a third of campuses, it was less than a year.

For many students, the ultimate costs of a degree will be higher than the data published today. That’s because they need more than two years to earn an associate degree or beyond four years to earn a bachelor’s, assuming they graduate at all. The longer they chase a degree, the less time they spend in the workforce earning the higher salaries that come with a college credential. Also, the federal net price data has limits: It only calculates what full-time freshmen pay. Students attending part time will experience different annual costs.

But the basic trend remains the same: State and federal financial aid at public campuses plus typical salaries that far exceed the wages for those with a high school diploma make college worth the investment.

Itzkowitz plans to produce a follow-up report that measures the return on investment by major. His organization, the HEA Group, produced an analysis of typical wages by major last year . Some majors lead to higher wages than others, which can skew school-wide results.

The data in today’s report show variation within public universities, too, even in the same city. UCLA’s net price-to-earnings ratio is about seven months and its students tend to earn more than those from Cal State LA after graduating. But the typical cost of a degree after four years for low-income students is roughly $31,000 — far higher than the $5,500 at Cal State LA, which is 20 miles away.

“I wanted to go to UCLA, but it was too expensive for me,” Reyes said. “I did get accepted.”

Like he did at Cal State LA, he would have probably qualified for the Cal Grant, which waives tuition at public universities. But the distance from home would have forced him to either live in a UCLA dorm or commute about two hours daily between home and the crosstown campus. Housing, not tuition, is usually the largest expense for students at public universities. Borrowing money was out of the question for him.

So was a long drive to UCLA. “If I ended up missing a class or something, I’d beat myself up over it,” he said.

For the record: College Futures is a funder of CalMatters. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support.

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Here’s How Ivy League Schools Evaluate Student GPAs

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One of the main gates on the Brown University campus, decorated with the University crest. (Photo by ... [+] Rick Friedman/Corbis via Getty Images)

A stellar GPA is one of the building blocks of a successful Ivy League application, and as the school year winds down, many students are anxiously seeking to give theirs a final boost. While most students and families understand the importance of a 4.0, few are aware of how top colleges evaluate student GPAs or what they look for when reviewing student transcripts. Though your GPA may seem to be a simple metric, nothing could be further from the case—colleges consider more than just the number, accounting for complexities such as diverse grading systems across schools, trends in grade inflation, and level of course rigor.

Here are three important facts to keep in mind about your GPA as you choose your courses:

1. Your GPA isn’t directly comparable to GPAs of students at other schools.

One common misconception among college applicants is that they can compare their GPAs with those of students attending different schools. However, the GPA is not a universal metric but rather a reflection of an individual's academic performance within their specific educational environment. As a result, comparing GPAs from different schools is like comparing apples and oranges. For instance, some schools offer a plethora of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and honors courses, while others may have limited options or offer none at all. Additionally, the weight assigned to AP versus honors versus regular classes varies from school to school. So, your GPA may not hold the same weight as those of your peers at different schools, even if you all have 4.0s.

Admissions officers understand that schools vary in their rigor, curriculum, and grading policies. Therefore, they evaluate your GPA in the context of your high school, considering the courses offered and the academic challenges presented. Instead of fixating on how your GPA compares to your friends’ from other schools, focus on challenging yourself and taking advantage of all the opportunities available to you at your school.

2. GPAs across the country are inflated—and colleges know it.

The last few years have seen surges in high school student GPAs nationwide. While GPA inflation has been on the rise over the last decade, average ACT composite scores are steadily declining. “For the 1.4 million ACT test-takers in the high school class of 2023, the average composite score on the exam was 19.5 out of 36, the lowest score since 1991,” according to The New York Times New York Times . The parallel differences, coupled with academic differences across schools, suggest that GPA must be considered in tandem with multiple other factors. Simply put, an A no longer means what it used to on a transcript.

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Ivy League schools and other top colleges are well aware of this trend and evaluate student GPAs alongside other metrics such as standardized test scores and AP exam scores in order to better understand a student’s academic skill sets. While some Ivy League and other top schools remain test-optional , they still emphasize course rigor and the context from your high school profile to understand the grades on your transcript.

3. Colleges will recalculate your GPA.

Given the abundance of variables in GPA calculations, colleges often recalculate the metric to create a standardized baseline for comparison between students across different schools. The recalibration may involve adjusting for variations in grading scales or the weighting of honors, IB or AP courses. The University of California system, for example, calculates students’ UC GPAs by converting grades to grade points (an A is equivalent to four points, a B to three points and so on) for classes taken between the summer after 9th grade and summer after 11th grade, and adding one point for each honors class, and dividing by total classes taken to yield final GPA. (Variations exist for in-state versus out-of-state students and by high school. Be sure to calculate your GPA following the UC issued guidelines.)

Other colleges also take additional factors that impact academic performance into consideration, and envelop GPA into a broader, holistic consideration. For instance, the lawsuit by Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard University over affirmative action practices revealed that Harvard rates students on a scale of 1 to 6 (with one being the most desirable) in academic, extracurricular, athletic and personal categories. A student’s GPA and test scores are folded together into an academic score which “summarizes the applicant’s academic achievement and potential based on grades, testing results, letters of recommendation, academic prizes, and any submitted academic work.”

This process aims to provide a fair and equitable evaluation of students from different educational backgrounds. Keep in mind that Harvard considers not only your grades, test scores, and academic rigor in this score, but also “evidence of substantial scholarship” and “academic creativity,” which can make the difference between a 1 and a 2 in the scoring system. These systems underscore the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity, showcasing your unique personality and creativity, and seeking to maximize opportunities to improve your performance within the academic landscape of your institution.

By understanding the complex way by which colleges evaluate students’ GPAs, you are better equipped to present a comprehensive and competitive picture of your academic achievements on your transcript and stand out in the competitive Ivy League admissions landscape.

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U.S. News Guide to College Majors

Options for selecting a college major are numerous and wide-ranging.

Choosing where to attend college is a big decision. But even if you’ve had your sights set on attending your dream school since you were a kid, what will you study there? Some majors, like business, offer courses on a broad range of related topics, while others, like mechanical engineering, present a more specialized track. Deciding what to major in can be overwhelming, but learning about the variety of majors available, coupled with understanding your own strengths, interests and goals, can help you decide which one is right for you.

This guide presents information about some common college majors, the pay associated with those majors and what to expect if you find yourself wanting to change your major.

Understanding College Majors

A college major is a focused area of study. While many undergraduate students must meet general education requirements like taking an English composition or a world history class, the courses associated with a major provide a deeper dive into a subject or specialty area, usually to prepare students for careers in that field.

When considering potential college majors, students should think about the following factors:

• Interests and passions. What do you love and care about? How do you spend your free time? Can you picture yourself still caring about those things throughout your college and professional careers? 
• Aptitudes and strengths. What are you good at? Are you an excellent problem solver (in complex situations or when doing math homework)? Do you have a knack for writing or public speaking? Consider how your strengths might benefit you in a variety of careers. At the same time, be aware of your weaknesses. If you faint at the sight of blood, the medical field might not be the right fit for you, for example.
• Career goals and prospects. What do you want to accomplish in your professional career, and how might a college degree help you achieve that? Do your goals align with the demands of the job market? What skills might you need to obtain and which topics might you need to study to reach your goals? 
• Flexibility and exploration. Do you want to define your own path and figure out what interests you most throughout your college journey, or do you have more rigid or focused career goals?

Exploring Common College Majors

Stem majors.

The science, technology, engineering and math – collectively known as STEM – fields present a wide variety of in-demand and potentially high-paying jobs. Students with an aptitude and interest for math and science might consider one of these majors, which include:

• Computer Science . 
• Engineering . 
• Biology . 
• Mathematics . 
• Physics . 

Many STEM subject areas can be subdivided into more focused areas of study, such as mechanical engineering or microbiology , for example.

Social sciences and humanities majors

Chances are, you’ll take some introductory courses for social sciences and humanities regardless of your major. But students who choose to major in one of these subject areas go deeper, on their way toward becoming experts in their field. Social sciences and humanities majors include:

• Psychology . 
• Sociology . 
• Political Science . 
• English Literature . 

Business and economics majors

If you declare a business major, you’ll be in good company on your campus. Business is one of the most common undergraduate majors, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . While some majors in this field, like accounting, are more tailored toward a specific career, others, like a general business degree , can provide a broader scope of the subject area. Business and economics majors include:

• Accounting . 
• Finance . 
• Marketing . 
• International Business . 
• Economics . 

Arts and communication majors

Arts and communication majors likely won’t receive paychecks as large as those their peers in some science or business roles get, but they use their skills to tell stories and convey messages, whether for education or entertainment. Some popular majors for students who want to hone their arts and communication skills include:

• Fine Arts .
• Graphic Design . 
• Film and Media Studies. 
• Journalism . 
• Communication Studies . 

Health and medical majors

Jobs in the health care field are always in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs including physical therapist, registered nurse and pharmacist are projected to grow by at least an average rate by 2032. While some roles in this field can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, others require further schooling. And for students who hope to be accepted into medical school, majoring in a related field for their undergraduate education can lay a firm foundation for the rest of their studies. Health and medical majors include:

• Nursing . 
• Premedical Studies . 
• Pharmacy . 
• Physical Therapy. 
• Public Health . 

Education majors

Students who have a passion for learning may also desire to foster that same trait in others. Whether they plan to teach at a certain grade level or in a specific subject area, or they hope to be a principal or superintendent someday, students who choose an education major learn how to effectively instruct others. Education majors include:

• Elementary Education . 
• Secondary Education. 
• Special Education . 
• Early Childhood Education . 
• Physical Education. 

Exploring niche and emerging majors

While college students have been majoring in areas like education and business for decades, other majors have developed over time in response to growing areas of need or interest. Students who want to explore careers in newer or more niche fields might consider majors such as:

• Environmental Science . 
• Data Science and Analytics. 
• Cybersecurity . 
• Sports Management . 
• Digital Marketing. 

Degrees in more niche subject areas may not be offered by as many schools as the more common majors, so prospective students should keep this in mind as part of their college search.

Additional college majors

High school students who explore a variety of subject areas might discover a college major they’d never thought about before, so be sure to learn as much as you can about anything that interests you while considering your college plans. To assist you in learning what it’s like to major in a variety of areas, U.S. News provides guides on what you need to know about majors like:

• Animal Science . 
• Anthropology .
• Architecture . 
• Astronomy . 
• Biochemistry .
• Biomedical Engineering . 
• Business Administration . 
• Chemistry . 
• Cognitive Science . 
• Computer Engineering . 
• Criminology . 
• Geography . 
• Human Biology . 
• Human Resources . 
• Human Services . 
• International Relations . 
• Linguistics . 
• Management Information and Services . 
• Music . 
• Nutrition . 
• Philosophy . 
• Physiology . 
• Public Policy . 
• Public Relations .
• Real Estate .
• Social Work .
• Statistics .

Pick the Perfect Major

Discover the perfect major for you based on your innate wiring. The Innate Assessment sets you up for success by pairing you with majors, colleges and careers that fit your unique skills and abilities.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Crucially, what a student chooses to major in sets the course for their next steps after graduation. A company looking to hire a graphic designer is more likely to be interested in a candidate who has a degree in graphic design and built a portfolio of design projects while in school than it is in someone who majored in an unrelated field.

While many students’ formal education culminates in a bachelor’s degree, that’s not always the case. For careers that require a master’s, doctorate or professional degree, undergraduates should plan ahead as much as possible. Some graduate programs may only consider applicants who meet minimum GPA requirements, have a bachelor’s degree in a related field or completed relevant coursework in undergrad. Students who know they want to apply for dental school, for example, should look at the prerequisites for dental programs and make sure their major and the courses they take while earning their bachelor’s degree is in line with those requirements.

Other students may want to enter the workforce after graduation and apply for graduate school after gaining a few years of relevant professional experience. Master’s in Business Administration programs tend to prefer applicants who have real-world experience, for instance.

Because jobs in some fields pay more than others, a student’s college major can ultimately affect how much money they make in the future. For example, while both elementary school teachers and information security analysts can obtain their jobs with a bachelor’s degree, their mean annual salaries are dramatically different. Elementary school teachers make an average of $68,000 per year, while information security analysts, who typically have a degree in computer science or a related field, make $119,860 per year on average, according to the BLS.

Highest-paying college majors

Students who major in the STEM fields tend to see some of the highest starting salaries in the workforce. Those who major in engineering or computer science might see a particularly good return on their investment . According to the BLS, computer hardware engineers made an average salary of $140,830 in 2022, while computer network architects made an average of $129,490 and aerospace engineers made an average salary of $127,090. Some employers may prefer employees in these roles to have a master’s degree, while others may hire bachelor’s degree-holders.

Health care professionals like surgeons, emergency medicine physicians and anesthesiologists also have high salaries, but these jobs require years of postgraduate education.

Lowest-paying college majors 

While undergraduate students may pay similar tuition rates regardless of their major, the resulting payoff isn’t always the same. Majors in the arts and humanities tend to lead to lower-paying jobs than some roles STEM majors can obtain. According to the BLS, graphic designers made an average of $64,500 in 2022. Archaeologists and anthropologists, many of whom need a master’s or doctoral degree to advance their careers, made an average annual salary of $68,310 in 2022, according to the BLS.

Despite the gap in pay between majors, a college degree generally can pay off in the long run. According to a Georgetown University study , bachelor’s degree holders earn 31% more than associate’s degree holders and 84% more than people whose highest level of education is a high school diploma.

Strategies for Choosing a College Major

When choosing a college major, students should consider their interests and talents as well as career goals and potential future earnings. If multiple options are on the table, think about other resources that might help you narrow your choices, like:

• Meet with a guidance or career counselor at your school. They may be able to help you prioritize what you’re looking for in a career or inform you about a major you haven't considered. 
• Learn about programs at your preferred colleges and universities. Sometimes, the decisions of what to study and where to study can go hand in hand. What majors do your dream school and backup schools offer? Which of those majors pique your interest?
• Job shadow or conduct informational interviews. Do any adults in your life have jobs that look like something you might want to do in the future? Do you know any current college students who might want to provide you with insight into the coursework for their major? It’s not uncommon for people to talk to high school students about what they plan to do after graduation, so don't be afraid to ask people about what a typical day on their job looks like. If possible, apply for a job shadowing or internship program with an organization so you can get hands-on experience with that industry and a better idea of whether you might want to pursue it in college. 

Majors in high demand

While majors like business have remained consistently popular over the years, others have seen higher or lower enrollment rates depending on the needs of the ever-evolving workforce. Students who major in a STEM or health care field can expect their skills and expertise to be in demand: Among the 10 jobs from which the BLS expects to see the fastest growth by 2032 are nurse practitioners, data scientists, information security analysts, medical and health services managers, physician assistants and software developers. While nurse practitioners and physician assistants typically need a master’s degree, these other roles typically require only a bachelor’s degree.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 , which examines how jobs might evolve over a five-year period, states that the fastest-growing occupations relative to their size include roles in technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists, as well as sustainability, like renewable energy engineers.

Flexibility and Adaptability in Choosing a Major

While choosing a college major is a big decision, it’s not uncommon for students to change majors at some point during their undergraduate career. But switching majors doesn’t come without risk – you may find yourself taking extra classes to meet the degree requirements for your new major, which can lead to you spending more time and money than it would have cost to follow one degree track from the beginning of your time in college.

Many colleges and universities don’t require students to declare a major until their sophomore year, or until they have completed a certain number of credit hours. So if you’re undecided at the start of your college journey, register for required core classes and take advantage of campus resources and elective courses that can help you find the right major.

Some majors allow students to specialize further by choosing a concentration within their major based on what they intend for their career path. Concentrations vary by institution, but for example, students majoring in sports management might be able to specialize in topics like sports business, analytics, marketing or administration, depending on what area of sports management they want to work in.

Some students find that declaring a double major might help them reach their career goals. Students who double major still only earn one degree – and therefore can still complete their bachelor’s degree in four years – but double majoring means they’ve earned enough credits in two (often related) subject areas for both to be considered a major.

In addition to a major, students commonly declare a minor , a secondary subject area in which to focus. A minor can complement your studies without requiring as many courses in a specialty area as a major. Your chosen minor might not be directly related to your major, but it could help equip you for reaching your career goals. For example, a journalism major who ultimately wants to cover politics may minor in political science, and a fine arts major who hopes to open their own studio someday might choose to minor in business or education.

But even with all these options, students aren’t necessarily limited to specific majors offered at their chosen college or university. Many schools offer an interdisciplinary studies major , or custom study path that incorporates coursework from multiple subject areas to align with a student’s career goals. Students who are interested in interdisciplinary studies or a custom degree should meet with their academic adviser and learn their school’s process for assembling a custom program of study.

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Take a crime prevention class or go to jail: westchester da’s scathing rebuke of anti-israel college protesters.

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Westchester County prosecutors are giving anti-Israel protesters who were busted during a campus demonstration at SUNY Purchase a choice: Enroll in a crime prevention course or face jail time.

Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah said nearly all of the 68 protesters arrested at the state university on May 2 will have the option to take a three-hour “Fresh Start” course as part of plea deals to keep them out of the county lockup, the office said Wednesday.

“After evaluating the facts and circumstances, the WCDAO is offering our pre-arraignment diversionary program to eligible individuals, as we routinely do when first-time defendants face trespass violations,” a spokesperson for Rocah said in a statement.

The “Fresh Start” program was created by Rocah in 2021 as an alternative to prosecution for first-time offenders.

Most of those arrested at the state-run school were charged with trespassing when university police broke up the demonstration on the suburban campus after student and faculty protesters did not disperse, according to a report by lohud.com .

The controversial sweep led to negotiations between pro-Palestinian protesters and school administrators, with the student group accusing police of overreacting.

“It was completely uncalled for,” student protester Kaelin Martin told lohud.com of the May 2 raid. “We actually began sitting in a circle quietly, even respecting the quiet hours that our school implements.

“It’s completely ridiculous and they couldn’t have handled it worse.”

The Purchase protest was one of dozens playing out on college campuses across the US, including at Columbia University and other schools in the Big Apple.

On May 7, cops cleared away an anti-Israel encampment at the Fashion Institute of Technology .

It came after the NYPD stormed Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus last month and arrested more than 100 protesters, including 44 who had broken into Hamilton Hall and barricaded the historic academic building.

Days later, police broke up a tent encampment at New York University and the New School, arresting more than a dozen anti-Israel demonstrators.

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How to make sense of a college financial aid package.

There's been a lot of drama this spring for families seeking college financial aid.

The trouble stems from a revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), where changes and technology glitches have been an ongoing source of frustration for families .

The federal government, meanwhile, was significantly delayed in relaying data collected on the new form to schools, which means many colleges and universities have been scrambling to send financial aid packages. May 1 is typically the primary decision date for students to accept an offer of admission, but many schools have pushed deadlines to mid-May or the beginning of June.

If students don't yet have all the information they need to make a decision, they should reach out to admissions offices and ask for further extensions, said BG Tucker, senior director of programs for College Possible Minnesota, which helps students from underinvested communities access higher education.

Financial aid offers are now arriving and that means families will need smart strategies for quickly making comparisons between what different schools are offering, a task that can be difficult even in a normal year when there's less time pressure.

"The No. 1 thing that's challenging is that the letters are complex," Tucker said. "Every letter looks different. The format is different. How schools talk about when they are awarding the money — whether it's on a semester basis or a quarter basis or an annual basis — is confusing.

"And so families really need to understand what they're looking for in a letter."

Here's what you need to know about comparing financial aid offers during this unusually difficult season for picking between schools.

Learn the language

Financial aid offers typically come in letters that span one to three pages.

Experts recommend families first zero in on a section of these letters called the cost of attendance (COA). This sum is typically broken down into two parts: direct costs paid to the college (for tuition and fees, room and board) and indirect costs (like travel, books and incidentals). With the possible exception of book expenses, indirect costs don't go directly to the school. Even so, colleges and universities usually include an estimate for these expenses and build financial aid packages with these costs in mind.

Next, families should scan financial aid letters to find all the grants and scholarships offered to students as "free money," said Tucker of College Possible Minnesota.

The goal is to complete a math problem. Subtract the free money from the COA to arrive at what's called the net price, which is the best figure for making comparisons between schools, said Megan Walter, policy analyst for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

The net price is key because it doesn't factor loans or sums earned through work-study arrangements, funds that can add complexity to comparisons while coming with significant asterisks.

"Any school can look affordable if you're willing to take out a private loan for $30,000," Walter said. "But you really should be making a decision comparing the net price of the institution, which is just the free money you have to go toward the direct and indirect costs."

Tucker said she also focuses on the net price. Families must be cautious with loans, she said, to make sure students aren't signing up for years of unaffordable debt. With work-study, the sums listed on financial aid letters aren't guaranteed, she said.

Also, work-study funds typically go directly to the student, not the bursar's office to pay tuition, said Todd Weaver, a college counselor who is treasurer for the Higher Education Consultants Association.

"So you still have to come up with that money," Weaver said.

Ask questions early, often

NASFAA has a free worksheet to help families take numbers from the letters and make comparisons. In general, families need to be cautious, Weaver said, with how the financial aid offers present data.

"They're trying to make it so when you look at the bottom line, you say: 'Oh, yes, we can afford that. We can make that work,'" he said.

A key variable when comparing offers is both simple and critical: Families must be very clear, Tucker said, if expenses and financial aid are listed per quarter, per semester or per year. Different schools present numbers differently.

Also, financial aid offers typically look at just costs in the coming year, rather than expenses through graduation. It's good to try estimating costs for the long haul, paying close attention to what happens to school-based grants and scholarships — the free money — in years two, three and four.

Federal Pell grants for low- and moderate-income students typically fluctuate each year along with a family's student aid index (SAI). This number, which data provided on the FAFSA generates, used to be called the expected family contribution (EFC). It's useful knowing both the new name and the old name for this figure, Weaver said, because many colleges haven't yet switched to using SAI in their materials. Whatever you call it, this number is central to how colleges calculate need and then assemble financial aid packages in response.

To understand exactly how these calculations work — especially considering all the terms and acronyms involved — Tucker recommends families make contact early and often with financial aid officials at different schools.

"The people at these institutions who work in admissions and financial aid, they want you to come to their institutions," she said. "They are there to help you."

Families also should ask about and consider, Weaver said, support for students to graduate in four years vs. five. The duration of studies, he pointed out, can significantly change the cost comparison.

Finally, for students who take on debt, there are issues to consider with various loan packages. And if students go debt-free, families must recognize they'll have to cover the amount listed as loans on the financial aid letter, Tucker said.

Given all the complexity, "this year is definitely a time crunch for students and families," Walter said, considering all the FAFSA delays.

Why the mess?

The FAFSA opened later than usual this school year because the federal government needed time for changes intended to make it easier to apply for and receive financial aid. The form was available starting Dec. 30, the U.S. Department of Education said, whereas FAFSA had opened in October in the past.

On the plus side, the new form is shorter for some families. Some information now automatically populates from tax returns, and the revamp includes needed changes to formulas used for calculating aid. But problems this winter quickly surfaced. The new form lacked updated inflation tables, and some students couldn't apply if their parents lacked Social Security numbers.

A new question related to applying for unsubsidized loans confused some families, with many providing a response that actually blocked eligibility for need-based federal aid options. The new FAFSA technology didn't let families start correcting these errors for months.

Then, on Jan. 30, the Department of Education announced schools wouldn't be able to access FAFSA data until March, about six weeks later than anticipated. In response, the University of Minnesota and other schools across the state started announcing delays in their deadlines for student decisions .

By early May, the processing delays at the federal government had pretty much resolved, so FAFSA information is now relaying to schools in a timely manner, Walter said. But with all the problems, schools have been running behind as they turn data submissions into aid offers. Among respondents to a late April survey by NASFAA, roughly one-third of four-year public colleges/universities as well as 13% of nonprofit schools said they had not yet begun packaging aid offers.

"Usually, the FASFA information comes in over five months to schools so they can spread out the processing," Walter said via email. "This is all happening basically in half the time now. There will also be students who are just finding out they need to complete verification, etc., so they won't have complete offers."

Many families still are confronting technical problems with trying to complete the FAFSA, said Tucker.

She said some families have struggled to receive prompt application assistance via the phone or online from the federal government. An alternative is the state Office of Higher Education Financial Aid, which can address general application or process questions. Operators are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 651-642-0567 (select option 2).

"We're definitely in a space right now where our students and families are frustrated, and rightly so," Tucker said. "Some of them have been working on the FAFSA and trying to submit it since January."

The U.S. Department of Education offers several resources that students and parents can consult, including guides to understanding college costs and accepting financial aid . The department also has a video on comparing financial aid offers and a college scorecard with information about the average net price at schools.

Christopher Snowbeck covers health insurers, including Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group, and the business of running hospitals and clinics. 

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