College - The Right Fit

One decision you have to make when exploring colleges is whether you want to go to college in state or if you want to go somewhere out of state. Look at all the factors. Do you hate cold weather and want to be in sunny Southern California? Do you want to stay close to home to be near your family? Do you want to venture someplace new?

The cost of going to school in Illinois is likely to be less than going out-of-state. Public universities in Illinois offer an in-state rate to students who live in Illinois. If you apply to an out-of-state public institution, like Ohio State University or University of Michigan, you will pay higher tuition rates. Also, if you stay in Illinois, you may be eligible for a MAP Grant, which will reduce the cost of your tuition.

But don't rule out out-of-state colleges on cost alone. Scholarships and grants are available to students who go to out-of-state colleges.

Public schools, like the University of Illinois or Chicago State University, receive some funds from the state government which is why they are called "public." Private schools, like the University of Chicago, do not receive any support from the government and receive funds from private donations.

The tuition is lower at public colleges and universities than at private ones. But don't rule out private colleges on cost alone. Private colleges may have more money for scholarships for qualified students.

Use a college calculator to figure out what the average costs will be at public community colleges, public four-year colleges, and private four-year colleges. Remember, this is not what you will pay. That will depend on what your family can pay and the financial aid package that you receive.