How to select the college or school that is best for you
This brochure, published by the Nonpublic
Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC), an agency of the State of Georgia, is
designed to help you make an informed decision when you choose a college or
school to further your education. NPEC was created to ensure that each
authorized college or school is educationally sound and financially stable.
How do you know which college, school,
or program is best for you?
There are many fine postsecondary institutions in Georgia. Although NPEC does not rank post-secondary educational institutions, there are several strategies you can use to evaluate the quality of the college or school you choose.
Determine if the college or school is authorized to operate in Georgia by contacting NPEC. Authorized institutions offering certificates or degrees are required to meet minimal standards, and provide accurate and useful information to prospective and current students. If you have questions about any authorized institution, call NPEC at 770/414-3300.
The Secretary of State’s office regulates schools which teach cosmetology, nursing, barbering, real estate, and others. Truck driving schools are regulated by the State Department of Public Safety.
The federal government reviews and recognizes accrediting associations. Accreditation is a voluntary process. In order to become accredited, institutions and programs must meet certain standards established by the accrediting association. Usually, transfer is easier between colleges or schools that are accredited by the same association. Ask the school what federally recognized accrediting agencies have approved them.
When contacting the placement office or career counseling office, ask to see placement information on the most recent graduating class in the program of interest to you. Ask for the names and addresses of some employers who have hired recent graduates and the names and phone numbers of recent graduates for you to contact. Ask counselors at the school the following questions:
- What kinds of student services are available?
- How many students who started the program completed it?
- How many students graduated from the program you are interested in?
- How many of the graduates obtained employment in the field of study?
- How long after graduation were they hired?
- Where were the students hired?
- What type of help does the placement office provide when students look for work?
If you have taken courses that you would like to transfer to a new college or school, bring a copy of your transcript to the admissions office when you visit the school. The receiving institution will decide if it will accept any credits in transfer.
- If you think you might want to use coursework from the institution you are considering to count toward a program at another institution at some later date, contact possible future institutions and ask if they will accept credit from the institution.
If you are enrolling in a school to prepare yourself for employment in a particular occupation that requires licensure or certification by a state or professional organization, you may contact potential employers and ask the following questions:
- What knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed to obtain a position in this occupation?
- Is there a specific educational level required to obtain an entry-level position in this occupation?
- Is licensure or certification required to work in this occupation?
- Have you hired graduates from this school?
- Were you satisfied with the graduates you hired from this school?
If you plan to attend school for advancement in your current employment, you should talk with your employer to see if this program satisfies his or her requirements.
Visiting the college or school may be the BEST way to know if it is right for you. Don't assume that you have to sign an enrollment agreement at the time of your visit. While you are at the school, do the following:
- Obtain a copy of the school catalog.
- Look at equipment and school facilities (Are the facilities and equipment up-to-date? Is it equipment you will be using on the job?).
- Sit in on a class or two (Do the instructors seem knowledgeable? Are the students participating in classroom activities? What kind of work are the students doing?).
- Talk to current students in the program you are considering (Do they like the program? Are they learning what they need to know to get a job? Do the instructors spend time with students to be sure they understand the material? How much time do they spend studying outside class? Have they had any problems with the school, the instructors, or the classes?).
- Talk with instructors in the program you are considering (How long have they been teaching at the school? Do they teach full-time or part-time? What kind of background do they have in the field?).
Compare similar schools and programs
Find out which other colleges or schools offer the same or similar programs, so you can compare costs and other considerations.
Find out if the school offers distance education
Distance education/courses using technology (Internet, television, video, etc.) often appeal to individuals who want to pursue an education while holding a full-time job. Be aware that because many schools and programs are new, a number of them are neither authorized nor accredited. Talk to employers in your chosen field to see if they will accept degrees or certificates earned through distance education.
Find out if the school has a refund policy
Obtain a copy of the college or school's catalog and read it carefully. Be sure you understand all policies, especially the “refund policy”.
Find out if any complaints have been filed against the school
NPEC receives complaints about schools it authorizes. At your request, NPEC will provide general information regarding formal complaints received by our office. Other agencies or organizations that may provide information regarding complaints are the Better Business Bureau, the Secretary of State for cosmetology and insurance schools, the Department of Public Safety for truck driving schools, and the school's accrediting agency.
Be aware of unscrupulous recruiters!
If it’s too good to be true, IT IS! Don’t be misled by recruiters who tell you the following or something similar:
“Of course
you can transfer to other colleges - no problem."
“It won’t
cost you a thing to attend this school – the government will pay for
everything.”
"We guarantee
you a job after graduation.”
“You can get a degree in 27 days.”
Don’t be pressured by recruiters into making a hasty decision. Attending a college or school can be expensive, so be a wise consumer.
Know the different types of financial aid available
Be sure you understand the difference between a GRANT (you do not have to repay) and a LOAN (you do have to repay ). Know your obligations for repayment.
Before your sign any papers, be sure you understand exactly what is written. You may be obligating yourself to repay a hefty loan and graduate with a huge debt! Further, failure to pay off that debt, even if you weren’t aware of it, results in a bad credit rating.
If you are confused about financial aid, call the Georgia Student Finance Commission at 770 724-9000 (in the Atlanta area), 1-800-505-4732 (outside the Atlanta Area) or the US Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243 for additional information.