Where to go to school can be a very personal choice. Help students reflect on factors such as:
- Research interest alignment with potential advisors, if considering a PhD program
- If considering an MS program, cost of attendance, financial aid, and the potential benefits and opportunity costs of attending.
- Cost of living, especially if they have dependents and/or partners to consider.
- Distance from family and community.
For PhD programs in particular, it is important to remind them that the reputation of an institution may matter less than who their research advisor is. Many students often pursue the name of an institution without considering their advising experience, and end up regretting their choice.