When searching for the best college for you, it’s important to consider what factors play the biggest role in your decision-making process. Even for those that intend to earn their degree online, receiving a degree from a credible source is crucial for guaranteeing long-term success and worthwhile education. This is why it’s highly suggested for students to visit their potential college campus, not only to witness campus life firsthand but to also gain the opportunity to speak with an admission counselor or college interviewer. It’s important to be properly prepared with questions to ask a college interviewer to make sure students walk away from the campus fully aware of what awaits them if they choose to pursue their degree at that school.
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In this article, we’ll explore 60 of the best questions to ask on a college tour to help future students become properly equipped with the knowledge they need to make a decision. These questions will not only help students learn more about their school but also help them determine which elements of a college education matter the most to their individual needs. We have broken them down into the following groups:
- Academic Questions
- Graduation Questions
- Financial Questions
- Career Questions
- Campus & Student Life Questions
- Miscellaneous Questions
Academic Questions
Academic questions should be some of the questions highest up on your list of questions to ask a college interviewer. When enrolling in any degree program, the academic curriculum will largely dictate the student’s overall experience and workload during their experience. Let’s explore some of the most suggested questions to have answered by a college before pulling the trigger on any future college applications.
- What are some of the most popular classes?
- What is the average class size of introductory classes?
- How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?
- How many classes do students take in a semester?
- Do you have an honors college?
- Do you offer tutoring programs?
- How often can students meet with academic advisors?
- Are any courses offered online?
- Are there any online degree programs available?
- What percentage of students study abroad?
- What does the course enrollment process look like each semester?
- Does academic legacy play a role in the admission process?
Graduation Questions
Along with the same idea of academic-based questions, asking questions related to graduation is almost equally important. After all, isn’t the entire point of enrolling in a degree program to one day graduate with a degree? Graduation rates and student retention are all huge factors that can provide an accurate idea of how successful a college is in preparing its students for their professional futures. Here are a few graduation-related questions to help students feel rest assured they’re making the right decision.
- What is your four-year graduation rate?
- What is your five-year graduation rate?
- What does it take to graduate in four years?
- What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?
- What common factors lead to a student not completing their degree?
- How do dual majoring or minor degrees impact graduation timelines?
- What degree programs are available to those looking for a master’s or doctorate?
Financial Questions
To properly complete any degree program, online or in-person, financial considerations need to be made. No one wants to choose their dream school only to learn down the line that they can’t afford tuition for the full degree process. To streamline the educational experience and guarantee that wallets won’t be bent out of shape, make sure to bring financial questions to ask a college interviewer. Don’t be afraid to hold back, as colleges certainly won’t when accepting your tuition. Some helpful financial questions to ask include:
- What does tuition include? (Heath services, room and board, etc.)
- What is your average financial aid package?
- How can I apply for this financial aid package?
- Do outside scholarships affect financial packages?
- Are there scholarship opportunities through the school?
- What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?
- What percentage of financial need does the school typically meet?
- What is the average merit award?
- What percentage of students receive college grants?
- What is the average college debt that students leave with?
- Are there work-study opportunities available?
Career Questions
Many who pursue a degree do so intending to broaden their professional horizons and set their future careers up for success. A successful college will understand this and have dedicated resources available to help students transition from their collegiate studies to the workforce seamlessly. These services will likely not be obvious to see from the outside, so asking a college interviewer these career-related questions can prove to be highly lucrative down the line.
- What types of career services do you have?
- Does the school host career fairs?
- How do you help students get internships?
- Are there interview training programs available?
- How do you help students develop a strong resume?
- What does the alumni connection look like?
- What career resources are available to students post-graduation?
Campus & Student Life Questions
Going to college isn’t all about academics and financial aid, there are numerous benefits to choosing a college with an active campus and student life. Frequent campus events and a strong student community usually indicates the engagement of a student body and provides future students with an idea of the resources and support that will be available to them as a student. Let’s explore some important campus & student-life questions to ask a college to make sure your dream school checks that box.
- What is the orientation process like?
- What kind of dorm choices are there?
- What percentage of students live on campus?
- How long are dorm accommodations guaranteed?
- Is there a student lounge or community area?
- How many students live on campus?
- How are roommates assigned?
- What percentage of students are commuters?
- What percentage of students are completing their degree online?
- Is there a writing center available?
- What disability services are available?
- What are the school’s mental health resources like?
- What percentage of the study body belongs to a sorority or fraternity?
- What activities are offered to students?
- What clubs do you have on campus?
- Do you offer club sports?
- What are some of the school’s main events or traditions?
- What are the campus’s security protocols?
Miscellaneous Questions
Everyone knows that oftentimes the most important questions are the ones that pop up in our brain after leaving the interview room. It’s important to take the time to explore every possible factor that a student might use to decide their dream school, with no questions being off-limits. Some miscellaneous questions that may pop up during the process include:
- How easy is it for a student to switch majors?
- At what level has the tuition rate increased or decreased in recent years?
- Do classes tend to be more theoretical or hands-on?
- What determines priority in the course registration process?
- Why are students proud to graduate from this school?
When students have the privilege of asking a college interviewer questions, it’s best to enter the conversation prepared and fully aware of what matters most when making this decision. Everyone’s deal breakers are different, some students might need online degree programs available while others might highly value campus life and events. While all students are unique and hold different values close to their hearts, no student should ever apply to a college lacking an accurate snapshot of what they can expect down the line. This is no time to be shy, take advantage of any opportunity to get your college questions answered.
Bible College Online Can Help You Find Your Dream School!
From knowing the best questions to ask a college interviewer to our extensive knowledge regarding online degree programs available in your state, Bible College Online has the educational resources needed to help students choose their dream school. Knowing the right questions to ask is just the beginning of an exciting and worthwhile experience. Take Bible College Online’s helpful quiz below to begin your collegiate journey, and explore our list of accredited universities to begin deciding on the best school for you!
