How did you choose your college?

Caroline

On Monday, Staci posted about an article on "College Selection Hysteria."

I've heard a lot about this since I started working in the student loan industry, and it's fascinated me. When I chose my college—some 18 years ago—not only was there no hysteria, there wasn't even mild anxiety. I wasn't agonizing over "brand name" schools, nor was I fussing about which one had the best journalism program . My criteria were quite simple: I wanted a college that was affordable, familiar and a comfortable fit for me. Iowa State University  was kind of a no-brainer for me based on those standards:

• State school. Check affordable.
  
  
• Three of my older siblings had attended ISU, and I had been visiting them there since I was 10 years old. Check familiar.
  
  
• Three close friends from high school were also heading to ISU. Check comfortable.

I admit, these aren't the best standards  to use when choosing a college, but they're not the worst either. I didn't doubt the quality of education I'd get, and I knew I wasn't going to feel homesick or hopelessly out of place. It was important to me (and my pocketbook) to finish college in four years—so I wasn't in the mood to try anything too risky.

Looking back, I don't regret my decision, and I'm certainly glad I didn't get wrapped up in College Selection Hysteria. But I think there is a happy medium to be found between following your siblings and friends to the nearest state school and becoming an anxiety-ridden senior with an "Ivy League  or bust" mentality.

I would certainly encourage my own kids to explore beyond their comfort zone when it comes to choosing a college—and to base their decision on facts, rather than assumptions. Personally, I eliminated any small, private schools from radar because I thought they were too expensive. It was a bad assumption . What I didn't know is that some private schools can give you enough financial aid to make themselves competitive with public schools. It kept me from even considering the benefits I might have found in a small school–a closer relationship with professors, a greater opportunity to get involved in activities, etc.

And I do believe that no matter where you go to school, your college experience will be what you make of it. You can have a great experience and get a fabulous education at a "no-name" school if you choose to work hard, get involved, make friends, and get to know your professors and other mentors.

What do you think? Tell us about your college choice—past, present or future.