| Evaluating
Schools |
| The
following questions will help you evaluate where to go
to school: |
| • |
Does the school offer
the type of program and courses you want? |
| • |
Does the school offer
services you need and activities you’re interested
in? |
| • |
What are the school’s
graduation and transfer rates? A school is required
to disclose this information to prospective students. |
| • |
What percentage of recent
graduates is working in their chosen field of study? |
| • |
What is the school’s
loan default rate? In other words, what percentage of
students who took out federal student loans later failed
to repay their loans on time (also known as "defaulting"
on their loans)? You might not be able to get federal
aid for a school that
has
a high
default
rate. |
| • |
What kind of crimes
happen on campus, and what programs are in place to protect
your safety? The school must provide you with a summary
of its annual security report. The U .S. Department of
Education posts crime statistics for many schools at
www.ope.ed.gov/security. |
| • |
What financial aid
is available at the school? Ask for specifics such as
the types of aid available, how to apply, how recipients
are selected, plus how and when aid will be received. |
| • |
What are the school’s
refund policies? If you enroll but change your mind or
are not able to finish a class, can you get some of your
money back? |