Cheverus' College Advising blog

The anticipated “best colleges” lists, including party schools and sober schools, are here.

Forbes ignores ‘prestige’ and focuses on getting your money’s worth. Their favorites are here.

I really appreciate Unigo‘s varied lists, from Hidden Gems to 21st Century Einsteins to Best Bang for your Buck.

The US Department of Education unveiled its new College Affordability and Transparency Center last week:

http://collegecost.ed.gov/

Included in the center are data on–

• Net price amounts and tuition increases at colleges and universities
• Information about state allocations for higher education
• For-profit colleges that receive more than 90 percent of their funding from Title IV programs

Congress mandated these lists under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, intending for them to be a resource for students, families, counselors, and others seeking information about the cost of attending postsecondary education.

(STEM=Science, Tech, Engineering and Math majors and careers)

The U.S. Department of Commerce released new data in August 2011 on the gender gap in science and technology fields — stressing the economic impact on women. The study noted that women hold almost half of all jobs in the United States, but less than 25 percent of those in STEM fields. This trend continues even though women in STEM jobs earn 33 percent more, on average, than do women in other fields. And the data show that of those who study STEM fields in college, women are less likely to seek out STEM jobs. Of men with a STEM degree, 40 percent work in science and technology fields, while only 26 percent of comparable women do so.

Sure, new high school graduates are in for some big changes when they enroll in college this fall. But what about their parents? How are they to behave after raising a wonderful son or daughter for 18 years? A well respected educator has some great advice about finding “the new normal”.

http://brianharke.squarespace.com/articles/2011/4/11/parents-lost-in-the-college-transition.html

Seniors: 4 terrific things to consider when trying to decide where to enroll, from the perspective of 2 college professors

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/09/jacobs-hyman/

top careers of the future: engineer, health, computers

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/education/edlife/edl-17conted-t.html?_r=1

Add up tuition, room + board to get the sticker price. Don’t fret: the most expensive colleges usually offer the most financial aid (if you are admitted and show need as evidenced by the FAFSA)

http://www.campusgrotto.com/highest-tuition-room-and-board-2010-2011.html

wonder what colleges do with tuition? I hope it’s for a great classroom experience! Check out the pie charts here:

http://www.campusgrotto.com/where-do-colleges-spend-their-money.html

Check out “Colleges I’ve Visited” to the right. New page on my March visit to Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Every campus I visit, I tell you all about it!

Great article in Forbes magazine about college applications and the mistakes you want to avoid. Also, good advice on interviewing, demonstrated interest in the college(s), and the role parents should play.

http://blogs.forbes.com/stevecohen/2010/11/12/the-10-dumbest-mistakes-applicants-always-make/