---
title: 3 Key Tests to Find the Right College for You
description: Which college should you attend? A higher-education expert suggests three screens to use.
authors:
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published: '2015-10-13T14:53:07.000Z'
modified: '2024-04-02T04:56:24.000Z'
section: Education
tags:
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  - jamie merisotis
  - lumina
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  - picking the right college
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word_count: 149
canonical: https://money.com/factors-tests-finding-right-college-choice-search/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
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![advice for college search.00_00_27_15.Still001](https://img.money.com/2015/10/advice-for-college-search-00_00_27_15-still001.jpg)

There are three major factors to look at when you're picking the right college, according to Jamie Merisotis, author of [America Needs Talent](http://americaneedstalent.com/) and president and CEO of the Lumina Foundation, which is focused on increasing the proportion of Americans who receive a high-quality higher education.

**Affordability.** Plan ahead and find the right fit in terms of your financial resources.

**Post-graduation outcomes.** What does the college say about the learning outcomes and post-collegiate experiences of its students? What work do they find? Do they go on to grad school?

**The average student experience.** Some colleges do better with arts, some are more geared toward science. Also, if you're a commuter, find out how well you'll be accommodated at your top choice.

*For more help choosing the right college for you, try our [Find Your Fit](https://money.com/best-colleges/) tool, which lets you search colleges based on the factors most important to you.*

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