3 Key Questions to Help Your Teen Choose the Right College

As your teen prepares for college, choosing the right one can feel like an overwhelming decision. With so many options out there, how can they be sure they’re picking the best fit? It’s not just about the campus vibe or the programs offered—it’s about whether the college aligns with their personal goals, future career, and financial plans.

To help narrow down the options, here are three crucial questions your teen should ask when choosing a college. If the college doesn’t meet these key criteria, it may not be the right fit for them.

1. Does it Meet My Needs and Goals?

The first question is simple yet essential: Does this college meet my needs and goals? Just like buying a house, choosing a college requires a list of must-haves. Does it offer the programs, resources, and support your teen needs to succeed? Do the size of the campus, location, and available extracurricular activities align with their personal preferences?

This is a great place to start because it helps your teen focus on the factors that truly matter, not just those that sound appealing on the surface. For instance, if your teen’s goal is to pursue a specialized career path like engineering or medicine, they need a college that offers strong programs in those areas. A college that doesn’t check off these boxes won’t help your teen reach their full potential.

At Adulting University, we help teens explore their career interests and ensure they understand what they need from their education to succeed. We offer career exploration programs that guide students through the college decision-making process and help them align their academic choices with their future career aspirations. This focus ensures they’re making informed, goal-driven decisions about their education.

2. Will It Get Me to My End Goal?

The second question is a little more practical: Will this college help me get to my end goal? In other words, does the college have the resources to help your teen secure a job in their desired field after graduation?

Some colleges may have excellent academics, but do they have a career services department that connects students with internships and job opportunities? Are their alumni successfully landing jobs in the field your teen wants to pursue? It’s important to research the school’s track record for placing graduates in careers, particularly in your teen’s area of interest.

Our Virtual Co-op program at Adulting University emphasizes career readiness and the importance of real-world experience. We prepare teens for successful careers by offering hands-on opportunities, networking with industry professionals, and fostering essential skills like communication and time management. These resources are crucial in ensuring that teens not only complete their college education but are also prepared to launch successful careers.

3. What is the ROI (Return on Investment)?

The third and most often overlooked question: What is the ROI? In business, ROI stands for return on investment, and the same principle applies to college. If your teen is going to spend $30,000 a year on tuition, is that investment going to pay off in the long run? Will they graduate with a degree that will lead to a career where they can comfortably cover their student debt and thrive financially?

This question forces families to consider whether the tuition is justified by the career outcomes your teen can expect. If the cost of education far outweighs the potential salary of their future job, it may not be worth it.

Encourage your teen to consider the cost of tuition, potential student loans, and the average salary for their chosen career. If the financial burden doesn’t match the potential rewards, they may need to consider more affordable options or scholarships.

At Adulting University, we provide financial literacy education that helps teens understand the cost of education and how to make smart decisions about student debt. Our Virtual Co-op offers budgeting tools and real-world financial planning strategies to help teens navigate college costs while preparing for a successful career.

Why These Questions Matter

Choosing a college isn’t just about picking a place with a pretty campus or a fun social scene—it’s about setting your teen up for success in their career and life. By asking these three questions, your teen can make an informed decision that aligns with their goals, career aspirations, and financial plans.

At Adulting University, we help teens and parents navigate the often complex journey of college planning, career exploration, and financial readiness. Our Virtual Co-op is designed to prepare teens for their future by offering hands-on experience, guidance, and resources that ensure they make the best decisions for their education and career.

If you want to learn more about how we can support your teen in their journey toward choosing the right college, check out our Virtual Co-op here.