Explore Solutions

Institutional Scholarship Highlight
Case Western Reserve University - Ohio

Andrew and Eleanor Squire Scholarship
Full Tuition

A.W. Smith Innovation Scholarship
Full Tuition

Performing Arts Scholarship
Full Tuition

https://case.edu/admission/tuition-aid/scholarships

The College Search - Start Local!

Starting your college research? Begin close to home! Visiting local colleges is an excellent way to learn what you value in a campus environment before expanding your search. Touring nearby schools gives you the chance to compare different settings, such as public vs. private institutions or large universities vs. smaller colleges, without extensive travel or added costs.

While on campus, pay attention to academic programs, student life, and the overall atmosphere. Talk with students, attend an information session, and explore the surrounding community. These firsthand experiences provide valuable insights that can shape your college preferences and make future visits more focused.

Start local—discover what fits best for you before exploring farther away!

College Spotlight:
College of Charleston
Public University
Charleston, South Carolina
www.cofc.edu

• Undergraduate student enrollment: 10,880
• College location: Urban
• Distance from nearest airport: 20 minutes to Charleston Int’l Airport (CHS).
• Average accepted GPA & test scores: GPA weighted 3.95; SAT 1200-1340; ACT 26-31.
• Acceptance rate: 60%
• Application deadlines: Early Decision – November 1; Early Action – November 1; Early Decision II – January 15. Regular Decision – February 15
• Merit scholarships/Need-based financial aid: Apply for admission by January 15 for merit scholarship consideration. Merit scholarships up to full tuition. Additional departmental scholarships with a separate application. Limited need-based aid with FAFSA.
• Most popular, new, or unique majors: 67 majors and 81 minors plus 25 interdisciplinary minors. Arts Management, Astrophysics, Business, Marketing, Marine Biology, Education, Historic Preservation & Community Planning, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Public Health, Computing in the Arts, Supply Chain Management, Computer Science, Public Health, and Data Science
• Student Life: NCAA Division I Athletics (Colonial Conference) with 18 teams including Women’s Equestrian, Women’s Beach Volleyball, Coed Sailing. Greek Life (18% of student body), Water Sports Club with club competitive Surf Team, DI National Championship Sailing program, Service and Leadership Centers, Active Jewish Student Union and Hillel
• Total Cost of Attendance 2025-2026: In-state - $34,192. Out of state - $61,974.
• What is unique or makes your school standout? The College of Charleston is often described as a superior public university with personality to spare. The college experience naturally encourages the evolution of self, but the College of Charleston experience places its students at the center of our ever-evolving world. Students study in classes at an average size of 26 and all taught by professors. The beautiful campus is located in the heart of the young and active downtown Charleston. The city is fully accessible by walking or biking and the beach is a short 10-minute drive away. The weather is warm and sunny. The New Charleston is home to emerging industries including aerospace, digital media and technology, and health care and biosciences. Students who choose Charleston are well prepared for an evolving 21st-century economy. They become service-and global-minded leaders who are ready to tackle the pressing issues facing society; innovators and entrepreneurs; and socially conscious, inclusive individuals who care about human rights and man’s impact on the planet.

Major Snapshot
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics

An undergraduate college major in econometrics is a mathematical approach to the study of economics that uses statistical and mathematical techniques to analyze economic data. It combines economics with econometric theory and empirical methods to help students understand how to statistically analyze data and interpret results within an economic framework.

Some subjects that may be included in an econometrics major are:
Economic statistics, Optimization theory, Cost/benefit analysis, Price theory, Economic modeling, Economic forecasting and evaluation, Probability theory, Linear algebra, Mathematical analysis, and Operations research.

Some colleges that offer a degree in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
Columbia University
Duke University
Emory University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Northwestern University
Rice University
Stanford University
University of California Berkeley
University of California Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vanderbilt University
Washington University in St. Louis
Yale University

Institutional Scholarship Highlight
Bard College - New York

Distinguished Scientist Scholarship
Up to Full Tuition

Levy Economics Scholarship
Up to Full Tuition

Performing Arts Scholarship
Up to Full Tuition

Visual Arts Scholarship
Up to Full Tuition

https://www.bard.edu/sfs/financial-aid/programs/

Key Information

Popular College, Similar Option: Expanding the List Beyond the Obvious Choices

Many students begin their college search with the same familiar names — large flagships, popular campuses, big sports schools, well-known urban universities, or colleges everyone seems to be talking about. These schools can be exciting options, but popularity often brings intense competition, lower admit rates, crowded applicant pools, and sometimes higher costs. The good news? For many popular colleges, there are similar schools that offer comparable academic programs, campus energy, school spirit, location, or student experience, often with more accessible admission options and a lower cost. Expanding the list beyond the obvious choices can help students find colleges where they are not only more likely to be admitted, but also more likely to thrive.

Families should use these comparisons as a starting point, not a shortcut. A college may be “similar” in size, location, spirit, or academic offerings, but admission chances, costs, merit aid, major availability, and campus culture can vary significantly.

College Spotlight
Chapman University
Private University
Orange, California
https://www.chapman.edu/

• Undergraduate student enrollment: 7,713
• College location: Suburban, 15 miles from the beach
• Distance from nearest major airport: John Wayne Airport, 9 miles
• Average accepted GPA and test scores: Average GPA 3.78, 1260-1440 SAT, 28-31 ACT, Test Optional
• Acceptance rate: 65%
• Application deadlines: Early Action: November 1, Early Decision: November 1, Regular decision: January 15. Priority deadline or hard deadline November 1 for Film & Television Production, Dance, Screen Acting, Theatre Performance, Writing for Film & Television and Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience Program.
• Merit scholarships/Need-based aid: Merit scholarships awarded at the time of admission. Based on GPA and rigor. Range from $9,000-$45,000. No application for merit scholarship. Only accepts the FAFSA for need-based aid.
• Most popular, new, or unique majors: Known for Film, Business Administration, Health Sciences, and dance. New engineering programs and facilities. Programming for undecided students including majors in minutes (speed dating for majors), exploratory pathways, and housing our undecided students together. Our Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is consistently one of our most popular and selective colleges. With access to state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities to start producing films within your first year, Dodge offers a unique experience for students looking to join the film industry. Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI) The GCI is a unique two-year project that is part of the curriculum for all incoming first-year students in Fowler School of Engineering and Schmid College of Science and Technology majors. You’ll work with a small team of 4-6 fellow students and a research mentor to take on one of our most pressing problems, from reversing climate change to improving data security to developing new health technology—and many more.
• Student Life: DIII NCAA athletics, 25% of students participate in Greek Life with 9 sororities, 9 fraternities, and 4 professional fraternities. Most popular activities include Snow Club, University Program Board (campus event planning), service organizations, A ca****la. Chapman offer multiple ways to study abroad in over 40 different countries, allowing students the flexibility to incorporate global citizenship into their education. Chapman’s location in the heart of Orange County offers a multitude of experiences after classes and on the weekends. With Disneyland, the Angel Stadium, a variety of beaches, the mountains, and Los Angeles nearby, students never get bored!
• Total Cost of Attendance 2026-2027: $97,176
• “What is unique or makes your school stand out?” Chapman University’s size makes us unique. You will have the resources and opportunities of a large institution, but the connection with faculty and peers of a small institution. The sense of involvement and community on campus is so strong and very motivating and comforting.

Major Snapshot
Animal Behavior, Ethology, and Animal Psychology

Whether you want to work in a zoo with animals or study the way certain animals communicate with one another, a degree in animal behavior or psychology may be helpful. An undergraduate degree may gain you entry into the field, but a master’s or doctoral degree may really enable you to obtain that extra learning to become involved with research or deeper exploration into animal behavior and psychology fields.

Colleges offering degrees or certificates in Animal Behavior, Ethology or Animal Psychology
Arizona State University
Bucknell University
Canisius College
Carroll University
Cornell University
Eckerd College
Franklin & Marshall College
Hampshire College
Hunter College
Indiana University Bloomington
Muskingum University
Oregon State University
Southwestern University
University of California Davis
University of New England
University of Washington
Ursinus College
Utica University

Institutional Scholarship Highlight
Davidson College - North Carolina

John M Belk Scholarship
Full Ride+
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/types-financial-aid/scholarships/nomination-scholarships

William Holt Terry Scholarship
Full Ride+
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/types-financial-aid/scholarships/competition-scholarships

James B. Duke Scholarship
Full Tuition & Fees
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/types-financial-aid/scholarships/application-scholarships/james-b-duke-scholarship

Thinking College? Focus on Fit First

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a student will make. College can open doors to new friendships, career opportunities, personal growth, and long-term earning potential. But when the wrong college choice leads to transferring, stopping out, or leaving before graduation, the cost can be significant — financially, academically, and emotionally.

That’s why finding the right college fit matters.

With thousands of colleges and universities across the country, there are many strong options. The “best” college is not always the most famous, the most selective, or the one with the highest ranking. The best college is the one where a student is most likely to thrive, stay engaged, and graduate.

A good college fit should:

• Offer academic programs that match the student’s interests and goals
• Provide a learning environment that fits how the student learns best
• Match the student’s academic preparation and level of challenge
• Feel like a community where the student can belong
• Value what the student brings to campus

The last point is especially important for families hoping for strong financial aid or merit scholarships. Colleges that truly value a student are often more likely to offer admission, support, and sometimes financial incentives.

As students build their college lists, they should look beyond name recognition and ask: Can I see myself succeeding here? A college that only checks one or two boxes may not be the best long-term choice.

The good news? There are many colleges where a student can find the right fit. When students choose colleges thoughtfully, they improve their chances of being admitted, staying enrolled, and reaching the finish line.

College Spotlight
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Private Institution
Boston, Massachusetts
www.wit.edu

• Undergraduate student enrollment: 3,965
• College location: Urban- in Boston, MA
• Distance from nearest major airport: Boston Logan International Airport- about 6 miles away, 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train
• Average accepted GPA and test scores: 3.4 GPA and test scores are optional.
• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Application deadlines: Early Action I: November 1, Early Action II: January 1, Regular Decision: February 1
• Merit scholarships/Need-based aid: 100% of students considered for merit-based scholarships ranging from $17,000-$25,000 with no additional applications required. Need-based financial aid only requires FAFSA.
• Most popular, new, or unique majors: Architecture, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity. Exploratory track options for students who are undecided in a certain field.
• Student Life: DIII athletics and active student involvement in clubs or professional associations (National Society of Black Engineers, Construction Management Club, Rocket Club, Milk Club). City of Boston events- Fenway Park, Prudential Center, Newbury Street, Boston Common, TD Garden, etc.
• Total Cost of Attendance 2026-2027: $73,726
• “What is unique or makes your school standout?” Universities make a lot of promises but at the end of four years what do they really deliver? At Wentworth, we offer the educational programs for which there is a strong labor market demand that enables us to produce graduates who consistently bring extraordinary value to their organizations and to the world. We walk the talk with hands-on learning, required cooperative education experiences and caring faculty. Read on to discover our promise to you and our strategy to make these promises a reality. We commit to offering a high return on investment by providing an education that equips our graduates with knowledge that is coupled with a highly valued skillset. We accomplish this through opportunities to address real-world challenges, applied research, social impact projects, cooperative education, collaborative experiences, cross-cultural exchange, and the effective use of advanced technologies. Wentworth provides hands-on learning to its future-focused and career-ready students. All students complete two full semesters of co-op, strengthening their job opportunities and increasing their return on investment. They take advantage of the Boston city around them, while benefitting from the small class sizes and close-knit community on campus.