How many undergraduate students attend this college?

Asking about enrollment size helps you understand the scale of campus life, class sizes, and the overall feel of the institution.

What is the four-year and six-year graduation rate?

Graduation rates are a key indicator of student success and institutional support. Ask for both four-year and six-year rates to get the full picture.

Does this school consider demonstrated interest in admissions?

Some colleges track how often you engage with them — campus visits, emails, and event attendance — as a factor in admissions decisions. Asking this helps you understand whether showing interest could strengthen your application.

What merit scholarships are available and what are the qualifications?

Understanding merit aid eligibility early can help you target schools where your academic profile may qualify you for significant scholarships, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

What is the average net cost to attend this college?

Net cost is the actual price after grants and scholarships are applied. This number is often much lower than the sticker price and is the most important financial figure to compare across schools.

Are first-year classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?

At large research universities, introductory courses are often taught by graduate teaching assistants rather than full professors. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations for your first year.

What internship and undergraduate research opportunities are available?

Real-world experience before graduation significantly improves job placement outcomes. Ask specifically how the school facilitates internship connections and whether funded research positions exist for undergraduates.

How do alumni engage with current students and recent graduates?

Strong alumni networks can open doors to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. Ask for specific examples of how the school actively connects students with alumni in their fields.

How safe is the campus and surrounding community?

Campus safety is a critical factor for students and families. Ask about security measures on campus, after-hours transportation options, and the general safety of the surrounding neighborhood.

Are opportunities to study abroad available, and how are they structured?

Study abroad programs vary widely. Some are run directly by the institution with traveling faculty, while others use third-party companies. Understanding the structure helps you evaluate academic quality and cost.

What housing options are available and are freshmen required to live on campus?

Some colleges require first-year or sophomore students to live on campus. Understanding housing requirements, options, and costs is an important part of comparing the total college experience.

50+ Questions to Ask on a College Visit

April 2, 2026

Admissions

How many undergraduate students attend?
What is the four-year graduation rate? Six-year?
Does this school consider demonstrated interest?
Can prospective students try a dining hall?
May interested students sit in on a lecture class?
How are high school AP tests accepted?

Student Engagement

What activities are offered for students?
How regularly are sporting events attended by students?
What opportunities in the arts and theater are offered?
What clubs or activities are offered for students?
Are intramural sports offered?
What do students do for fun on campus?
What percent of students are involved in Greek life?

Housing and Food

Are freshmen and/or sophomore students required
to live on campus?
What percentage of students live on campus?
What housing options does the college provide?
How many students have cars?
How much does it cost to have a car on campus?
What meal plans are available?
What food options are available around campus?
Where is the closest grocery store to campus?

Campus Life

How safe is campus? What security is in place?
How safe is the community around campus?
How busy is the campus? How noisy?
How integrated is the campus with the community?
Are there opportunities to volunteer in the community?
What do you love about this school that you didn’t know when you started?
What’s the biggest/best event on campus?
If you were struggling, where would you go for help?

Financial Aid & Scholarships

What merit scholarships are available to students?
What are the qualifications needed for merit aid?
What is the average financial aid package?
What is the average net cost to attend?
What is the average student debt after graduation?
What percentage of students have jobs on campus?

Academics

1. What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
2. How many credits does the average student take?
3. Are first-year classes taught by professors or TAs?
4. What is the average size of introductory classes?
5. What is the average size of upper-level classes?
6. How much access do students have to professors?
7. Where do students typically study?
8. How does advising work?

Academic Programs

What majors are offered?
Are there opportunities to study abroad?
Are these programs run by the school (with faculty who
travel along) or through third-party companies?
Is there an honors program or learning community?
What academic support is offered on campus?
Are career counseling resources offered?
What internships or research positions are offered?
What graduate programs are offered?

Work & Careers

What are the opportunities for undergraduate research
on campus?
What are some specific ways this school helps students
find internships?
What percentage of students are going on to graduate school?
How are alumni actively engaging with students and graduates to help connect them in their fields?
What percentage of graduates find jobs within their fields
within 6 months of graduation?

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