How to Choose the Right College for Higher Education?

How to choose the right college is a question that comes to the mind of almost every student who has completed their 12th class or graduation to continue their academic journey. There are numerous colleges/universities that offer various UG/PG courses. However, students must choose their college/university based on their interests and academic field.

Table of Contents

• How to Choose the Right College?
• Factors for Choosing the Right College
• Top Universities in India 2023

How to Choose the Right College?

Choosing the right college is a crucial decision in every student’s life. Hence, they should be sure about their goals and aspirations before selecting any course or college. The Indian education system allows students to choose their major subject or field of study after the 12th class. Students select their desired stream in class 12th that includes Science (Mathematics or Biology), Commerce, Arts, and Humanities. Students from these streams choose their desirable course after completing their 12th class. However, they must be sure about choosing a major subject and college.

Factors for Choosing the Right College

Students must consider several factors while finding the answers to How to choose the right college. Below are some factors that must be considered while choosing colleges.

1. Course Outcomes
2. University Rankings
3. Faculty and Research
4. Student-to-Teacher Ratio
5. Student Accommodation Facility
6. Placement Opportunities
7. Tuition Fees

1. Course Outcomes

How to choose the right college is the question that can be answered by shortlisting colleges based on the courses they offer. Students must prepare a list of colleges offering their desired courses. Next, go through the course outcomes of the programme offered by the college and review them with your aspirations from the course. If they match your aspirations, go ahead by checking out the selection procedure of that particular college/university.

2. University Rankings

Students must consider the NIRF or QS ranking of the shortlisted colleges before proceeding with the application process. NIRF or QS ranking is given to a university/college based on several factors such as the Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Research and Professional Practice (RP), etc. University rankings help students to find the answer to the question - How to choose the right college?

3. Faculty and Research

While choosing the college for pursuing a UG or PG course, students must check out its faculty members and their research fields. In addition, students must check out the modules taught and determine if they match their research interests.

4. Student-to-Teacher Ratio

The student-to-teacher ratio is one of the most important factors while looking out the answers to How to choose the right college? The student-to-teacher ratio affects the teaching experience significantly, as teachers with a limited number of students increase one-on-one mentoring and eventually improve students’ overall performance. 

5. Student Accommodation Facility

Choosing a college or university might include moving out from your hometown and staying in a place where the college/university is located. Hence, gather proper information about the students' accommodation facilities offered by your shortlisted colleges.

6. Placement Opportunities

Choose a college that offers higher possibilities of getting placed in a good company. Colleges often advertise their placement history to attract students. Review placement reports of the shortlisted colleges and choose a college that provides an opportunity to prepare and a platform for getting placed in a good company.

7. Tuition Fees

Students must check out the fee structure of their desired courses while shortlisting colleges for their higher studies. In addition, check out financial aid provided to students taking admission to UG or PG courses, as several colleges/universities have financial assistance programmes to help students cope with their economic engagements.

Top Universities in India 2023

University rankings are determined based on several parameters to help students choose them to pursue their higher studies. Hence, students wondering how to choose the right college for their higher studies must check the overall NIRF ranking of universities. The top 10 universities based on NIRF ranking 2023 are tabulated below.