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I know my major and intended career path: Make sure to look for the school(s) that have the major/program you would like to study (bonus if you have a back-up choice and it is also present within the same school)

I know which career I want, but I do not know which major would suit me: Do some further research under Career Explore (O*Net tends to cover most ideas), talk to other people that are within the career that you are pursuing, and/or talk to your college adviser/career coach 

I don't know what career I want: Try Career Explore resources first

I looked at Career Explore resources and I have too many ideas/still don't know what I want to do, but what I do know is that I want to go to college for sure: That's ok! There is a major called General Studies that tends to be available at any college. Basically, you'd complete general education requirements for your degree while being able to explore a few different classes to see what you'd like to do. In fact, it is possible to graduate from college with General Studies and still pursue a career/graduate school after undergraduate studies! (Keep in mind that you might have to take a few extra pre-requisite classes for pursuing a masters degree depending on what you did in undergraduate studies and are pursuing for your masters)

*Majority of 4-years can be additional time depending on the program and/or if you are pursuing more than a bachelor's degree*

Community College (2-year College): Typically the least expensive of all college options, housing isn't typically available on-campus (most commute), tends to have Associate Degrees, Certificate Programs, and even Trade Programs that lead to either a degree or certification. Almost any HS graduate will be accepted typically 

Public University/College (4-year College): Tends to be a bigger campus with more students with a tendency to have a variety of options in majors/programs (sometimes Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees (sometimes Masters/Doctorates Degree Options)), on-campus housing and off-campus housing (not typically available first year unless commuting from home that is a certain distance away)- Varies in pricing and competitivity, but tends to be more expensive than community college BUT cheaper than private colleges (either type)

Private University/College Non-Profit (4-year College): Tends to be smaller and more individualized, tends to have different niche programs available that aren't always offered many other places, more expensive UNLESS you are offered enough financial aid to off-set the cost. Non-profit means funding goes back towards student instruction and tends to be run by an academic board of trustees. 

Nonprofit = Not Money Driven

Private University/College For-Profit (4-year College): Tends to be extremely flexible (online and evening classes that fit around busy full-time schedules and/or family) and a heavy focus on fast-track, vocational, and/or online certificates and degrees BUT their credits don't tend to transfer to other universities often if at all. For-profit means it is company run and very much reliant on private investors, private backers, and tuition revenue; operated like a business and funds tend to go towards marketing/investor payouts. 

For-Profit = Money Driven

Part of finalizing your college building list is visiting the college campus! It allows you to get a feel for what it is like to be a college student on that campus and determine if the environment is a good match for you. 

Another option besides the ones listed below would be to check the college website of the college you are interested in to check out how and when they are doing tours on their campus

Being a college student will be a different experience for everyone, you need to think long and hard about where your best fit is. Prioritize your comfort and safety first, don't let someone else pressure you into a lifestyle they think you should have as a college student.