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The choice of college can significantly shape a student’s future in various aspects.
Several factors play a role in this critical decision. A crucial consideration for many students is their potential campus experience. To address this concern, The Hechinger Report has developed a tool designed to track various elements that may influence a student’s sense of belonging at a college.
The College Welcome Guide, initially launched last fall, offers insights into the questions that prospective students may ask as they evaluate their options this year. We have recently refreshed the data that powers this tool, ensuring that college applicants have access to the most up-to-date information. This updated guide now includes responses for over 4,300 colleges and universities, and a brief video explainer is available to guide users on how to utilize the tool effectively.
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For anyone planning to apply to college, here are some key inquiries that the College Welcome Guide addresses.
How diverse are the institutions I am interested in?
Leveraging data from the U.S. Department of Education, we provide details on the demographics of student enrollments and faculty at each institution. Moreover, we offer insights into graduation rates categorized by racial and ethnic demographics, alongside information on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants, which assist those from low-income families.
Additionally, the guide covers gender distribution across campus and includes statistics on students over the age of 25 when available. It also highlights colleges with LGBTQ+ resources and support services for students with disabilities.
What free speech policies exist at the colleges I am considering?
The guide includes a feature that assesses free speech policies on campuses. Colleges are ranked from “exceptional” to “abysmal” based on their scores in the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s College Free Speech Rankings, derived from student surveys.
I am a veteran. What resources can colleges provide for me?
The guide evaluates resources available for veterans at different institutions, such as the presence of designated support contacts and the number of students accessing post-9/11 benefits or Department of Defense tuition assistance.
It also offers information on which states extend in-state tuition to veterans, whether conditions apply or if applicants are using GI Bill benefits.
I’m contemplating applying to a college outside my home state. How might state laws vary, and what impact could that have on my experience?
We provide maps detailing state laws that are relevant to college students, which include regulations on diversity initiatives, the teaching of Critical Race Theory, and voting rights using student IDs. Additionally, the maps indicate which states offer in-state tuition or financial aid to undocumented students, as well as those that have enacted laws affecting abortion access and transgender rights.
If you think someone might benefit from the College Welcome Guide, please share it. We also encourage anyone with questions about the guide to reach out to us via email.
This piece on college life was developed by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit organization committed to addressing issues of inequality and innovation in education.
The Hechinger Report aims to deliver thorough, unbiased, and fact-based education reporting that remains accessible to all readers. While our content is free, the production of such quality journalism is not. It seeks to keep both educators and the public informed about critical matters impacting schools and campuses nationwide, telling the complete story, even when it reveals uncomfortable truths.
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hechingerreport.org