Choosing a college is a major decision that will affect at least the next two to four years of your life, depending on which school and which program you choose. Many students attend college right out of high school simply because it seems like the logical next step. With college costs, housing expenses, and career expectations continuing to shift in 2026, however, it is important to think through this decision systematically before you make your choice.
Here are the top ten questions to ask yourself before going to college, as well as some important questions to ask when it comes to making your decision. Students who are still comparing options may also find Community College Review’s Choosing the Right Community College helpful as they narrow their list.
This video explains why community college is a good choice.
Ten Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going to College
Before you even decide to attend college, there are some important questions that you need to ask yourself. Your answers to these questions will help you determine if the timing is right for you to attend college or if you might be better off waiting a few years. These questions will also help you narrow down your choice for a major so you can choose the best college to fit your interests.
- Do you know what you want to study? If you don’t already have some idea of what you want to study in college, it might not be the right time to go. College is expensive, and the last thing you want to do is waste your time for two to four years and rack up unnecessary debt.
- Do you need more education or training for a career in your chosen field? If you have an idea about what you want to study, think about whether you actually need more education to be successful or if an internship, apprenticeship, certificate, or short-term workforce program might be more beneficial.
- What kind of certification or degree do you need? If your chosen field requires you to have some kind of certification or degree, find out whether you can get it by going to college. Many community colleges now offer associate degrees, certificates, workforce credentials, and in some states, bachelor’s degree programs in career-focused fields.
- Can you afford to go to college right now? College tuition is expensive no matter where you go, and the costs add up quickly. Think about whether you can afford to go to school right now or if you might need to work for a while to save money. In 2026, students should also consider housing, transportation, technology, books, and food when estimating the full cost of attendance. Community College Review’s Community College Cost in 2026: Full Breakdown offers a more detailed look at those expenses.
- What are your options for paying for college? Not only do you need to think about whether you can afford school, but also how you are going to pay for it. Will you take out student loans? Apply for scholarships? Work while in school? Students should also complete the FAFSA and review current aid rules through the U.S. Department of Education. For community college students, Community College Review’s FAFSA Changes in 2026: What Community College Students Need to Know explains what has changed and why it matters.
- What size college do you think is right for you? Colleges come in all different sizes, and the one you choose will be partially based on your choice of major and partially on your personal preferences. Some students thrive in large lecture halls, while others prefer smaller classes and more direct contact with instructors.
- Where do you want to go to school? Do you have a certain location where you’d like to go to school? Can you find a local school, or would you prefer to move elsewhere? For community college students, location often affects more than preference. It can influence commuting time, transportation costs, work schedules, and access to local employers.
- Do you plan to live on campus or find your own housing? Where you live while you are in school can add to your expenses or reduce them, so think carefully. Many community college students live at home, but some colleges now offer residence halls or nearby housing options. Students should compare rent, utilities, transportation, and meal costs before deciding.
- What kind of social life do you want to have? The size of the school, as well as the location you choose, will impact your social life. If you want to have an active social life, find a school that offers a variety of activities, clubs, student organizations, athletics, or campus events.
- Finally, what kind of support will you need to succeed? This question has become more important in recent years. Tutoring, advising, mental health services, career counseling, food pantries, emergency grants, and online learning support can make a major difference, especially for first-generation students, working adults, and students balancing family responsibilities.
These are just a few of the many questions you should be asking yourself before you commit to going to college after high school. In the next section, you’ll find some questions you should ask yourself and the admissions department when considering specific schools you might like to attend.
Now that you have a better idea of whether college is the right choice for you, you can start thinking about specific schools you might like to attend. It is important that you do some upfront research to create a list of schools that are worth looking into. Your answers from the previous section will help you compile this list.
Once you have your list in hand, take the time to examine each school in greater detail and think about making a campus visit if you are close enough to do so. You can also compare colleges using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator, which provides official information on programs, costs, enrollment, graduation rates, and student characteristics.
During your campus visit or virtual visit, ask the following questions to get a better sense of whether the school will meet your needs.
What is the average class size for classes in your chosen major? The class size will determine how much individual attention you can expect from your professors. Larger class sizes are usually fine for introductory classes, but you’ll want more attention in higher-level classes.
What kind of academic resources does the school have to offer? Does the school have a career center, an academic advisor program, a tutoring center, technology support, or other resources? In 2026, students should also ask about online advising, hybrid course support, and access to digital learning tools.
What prerequisite or general education requirements do you have? Some liberal arts schools will require you to take a math, science, and writing course no matter what your major is. Community colleges may also have specific course sequences for transfer students, healthcare programs, and workforce credentials.
What is your graduation rate and job placement rate following graduation? Knowing the graduation rate and job placement rate will help you know what to expect when you are ready to leave school for the real world. Students should also ask whether the college tracks transfer success and licensure pass rates for programs such as nursing, teaching, and allied health.
How much is tuition, and what other fees do you charge? Tuition costs may vary depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student, and there may be additional fees for labs, technology, online courses, parking, or clinical placements.
Do you offer financial aid and, if so, is it merit-based or need-based? Once you have determined tuition costs, you should ask about financial aid options to see whether you can afford to go to that school. You should also ask whether the college offers scholarships, emergency grants, work-study, or tuition-free Promise programs.
Are there any work-study opportunities on campus? Most schools offer some work-study opportunities, but some of them only offer these positions to the students with the highest need. Be sure to ask what the qualifications are for getting a work-study job and whether positions are available in offices or departments related to your career interests.
What are the housing options for students? Does the school offer student housing, and are there options for off-campus housing? If the school is primarily commuter-based, ask about parking, public transportation, and campus spaces where students can study between classes.
What kind of social and extracurricular activities does your school offer? Does the school offer any sports or clubs, and what kind of social opportunities are available on campus? The National Association for College Admission Counseling also provides college search resources that can help students think through fit, campus life, and admissions planning.
How do you help to prepare students for graduation and future careers? Does the school have a career center that will help you write a resume and find an internship? What kind of support do they offer after graduation? Ask whether the college works with local employers, offers career fairs, or provides help with transfer applications.
This video explains how to choose the best community college for you.
Before you decide which school to go to, you need to think long and hard about whether college is even the right choice for you. Asking yourself the questions above will help you determine the answer to that, while the questions in the next section will help you pick the right school.
Keep in mind that there may be multiple schools that meet your needs and satisfy your interests, so take your time and think carefully before making your choice. Community college can be an affordable and flexible path, but the best choice is the one that fits your academic goals, financial situation, career plans, and personal needs in 2026.
