If you’re a senior in high school, you know that College Decision Day is just around the corner. And if you still haven’t committed to continuing your education, that May 1 deadline can bring a combination of excitement and nervousness. Don’t let College Decision Day pass you by without making a commitment you feel good about. Here are some considerations to help narrow down your list of choices and ultimately choose the college that’s right for you.

1. Weigh your financial aid options

The price tag can make the college decision that much more stressful. Hopefully, by now you’ve submitted your FAFSA and scholarship application so you know what to expect in terms of cost. You should choose an institution that is not only affordable but also has ample resources to help you make informed decisions about financial aid.

As the most affordable public institution in the state, choosing the University of Northern Iowa means you’re already off to a great start in terms of affordability. Nine out of 10 UNI students receive some kind of financial aid to make paying for college a whole lot easier. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can provide personalized assistance and private loan counseling. It’s because of this that UNI students tend to have student debt that’s lower than their state and national peers.

2. Consider the size of the campus

A university’s population will have a significant impact on your time at school. Big universities tend to come with perks like a more active campus life and more resources for students. However, if a university is so big, it may be harder to make connections. On the flip side, it can be easier to make friendships and faculty connections at a small-sized university, but something that’s too small won’t come with the same level of excitement that bigger universities offer.

Luckily, there’s a happy medium. Schools like the University of Northern Iowa are known for being big enough for the “college experience” but small enough for individualized collaboration in your classes. There are lots of activities and fun ways to fill your schedule, but you can expect to be in classes where professors remember your name and actually spend time getting to know you. You’ll recognize more faces around campus, which will have a positive impact on you personally and professionally.

3. Have a plan for finding your community

Choosing a smaller-sized institution will automatically help you when it comes to making friends. However, you shouldn’t expect meaningful relationships to just happen. They take work. The first step to making friends is getting involved. Find a student organization that relates to your major, an interest or something you think simply looks fun. Join more than one to fill out your schedule and maximize your connections. On-campus jobs are also a great way to make friends!

At UNI, you’ll find a group for just about every interest. You can join the Yarn Club, Pickleball Club, Dance Marathon, Northern Iowan and so many others. Whether you want to stay active, give back to the community, develop yourself professionally or express your creativity, you’re bound to find a group for you at the University of Northern Iowa. 

4. Make sure hands-on experiences are available

College isn’t just about college. It’s about setting you up for success beyond the time spent earning your bachelor’s degree. This is why hands-on opportunities are so important. Make sure you’re choosing a college that doesn’t just teach you but will actually give you the opportunity to put your learning into action.

The University of Northern Iowa is known for giving students rich hands-on experiences. Whether that’s in-depth field experience for education students, internships that provide a glimpse into life after graduation or faculty-led projects that allow students to explore their passions, you can expect to leave UNI feeling equipped in your field. Our undergraduates get to conduct research, and 80% of all students graduate with real-world experience in their field. This means our graduates are better set up to know they will actually like their careers and how to succeed in them.

5. Learn about exploratory options

Deciding where to go to college is complicated enough, but it can be even more challenging if you don’t know what you want to major in. Contrary to popular belief, you definitely don’t have to have a major picked out to commit to a college. That being said, you should know how the college you’re picking will help you find the major of your dreams.

The University of Northern Iowa totally understands how hard picking the perfect major can be. That’s why we offer a comprehensive exploratory program for students who are undecided about their major. The Office of Academic Advising is a great start to finding out more about the 160+ majors, minors and certificates offered at the University of Northern Iowa. UNI also has assessments, quizzes and fun events like Majors in Minutes where you can learn about the vast array of programs available. 

6. Discover life on campus

When you find a beautiful campus, you’ll be proud to call it home! But make sure you take a deeper look at what living on campus will be like, including what housing and dining options are available. After all, a rich campus life starts with finding the best place to call home on campus. 

At UNI, there are 10 different options where students can live including traditional dorms, suites and apartment-style living. Students at UNI enjoy ample dining options including two dining centers, a food court, multiple coffee shops and convenience stores that have earned the recognition of the best college food in Iowa. All of this makes campus feel a lot more like home and makes the transition to college life more seamless.

7. Explore life outside campus, too

Your time at college will be heavily defined by your life on campus, but you shouldn’t forget that there’s life off campus as well. When you make your decision on where to attend college, be sure to choose a place where you want to spend time.

The University of Northern Iowa is located in beautiful Cedar Falls in northeast Iowa. You can take in the scenery by hiking, biking or walking the 120+ miles of trails between Cedar Falls and the neighboring city of Waterloo. There are so many fantastic restaurants, stores and other attractions to keep students busy all year round. So when you need a break from campus, it isn’t hard to find something to do.

Ready to commit to the University of Northern Iowa?

Hopefully, you feel a little more prepared to make the big decision on where to go to college. If you’re still wanting some extra guidance ahead of College Decision Day, contact the Office of Admissions at the University of Northern Iowa. The friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have and connect you with the resources you care about.