1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat

5 Questions to Ask at Schools That Aren’t Top-Ranked

5 Questions to Ask at Schools That Aren’t Top-Ranked

Aug 5, 2020

By Niki Bridges

Many times, future university students focus exclusively on top-ranked schools when compiling a list of potential institutions. Without knowing it, they’ve dismissed a number of fine institutions to consider. Rankings do not provide thorough overview of a school, and not every student will attend a top-ranked school, whether by choice or circumstance. Admission to many of these universities is extremely competitive and limited.

If this describes you, you may find that less information is available on these institutions. So how can you decide if a university not listed in the top rankings will be right for you both academically and personally? To start, keep these five questions in mind:

1. Is this school accredited?

Accreditation is like a measure of quality assurance—accredited universities and colleges have proven to an independent agency that they offer and maintain academic programs of a certain quality, and that these programs prepare you for graduate school or the workforce. If they are not accredited, schools may not able to offer federal financial aid to their students. In addition, many employers and graduate schools may look askance at a degree from an unaccredited institution.

2. What credentials do the professors hold?

Highly-ranked universities are able to attract professors who are leaders in their field. These renowned professors and researchers provide elite schools with an air of prestige that then attracts potential students. Although universities that are not top-ranked are not necessarily as prestigious, this does not mean that your quality of education will be lackluster. In fact, you may find very good professors at a school that is not highly ranked. The key is to do your homework. Have the professors published in their fields? Have they attended conferences, or won any awards? What is their teaching philosophy? This information can typically be found on a university’s website.

3. Will credits from this school transfer to other universities?

If you decide to transfer to another institution, or to later attend graduate school, will your classes be recognized? Or will you have to retake courses to fulfill degree requirements (in the case of a transfer) or entry requirements (in the case of graduate school)?

4. Will you be overlooked by employers because of your school choice?

Unfortunately, this can be a real problem in certain fields of study. For instance, top companies may only visit or recruit students from high-ranking universities. To avoid this issue, ask the school which businesses attend campus career fairs, as well as how many students secure employment in their fields. 

5. Does this school meet your needs?

Many universities are strong in certain majors, and weaker in others. If, for example, you are interested in pursuing a biology degree, does this school provide the resources that you will need? Speak with an academic advisor from the university to determine which classes are offered. It is also important to know what student support services are available on campus.

Ultimately, what is most important is that the school fosters an environment where you will feel comfortable and engaged in the campus community. Just because a university or college isn’t top ranked does not necessarily mean that it offers a sub-par education. It can be quite the opposite. Remember that rankings may not tell the whole story. Ask questions of school staff, conduct your own research, and remain open to discovering a new world of academic possibility.

 

Follow us:
Written by

Niki Bridges


Niki Bridges is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors. 

 

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled “New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
“New Around Here”: A Cinematic Journey into Struggles and Successes by Jennifer Hawkins, an Inspiring Student at LACC
Main image for the article titled Exciting Changes to the TOEFL iBT® Test: Shorter Exam and Streamlined Experience
Exciting Changes to the TOEFL iBT® Test: Shorter Exam and Streamlined Experience
Main image for the article titled University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Odelia O. of France/Israel
University of Pennsylvania ELP Profile: Odelia O. of France/Israel
Main image for the article titled Read the new Global edition of Study in the USA today!
Read the new Global edition of Study in the USA today!
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Undergraduate
Contact
Towson University

Towson University

$45,000—$50,000 Year

Masters Undergraduate English Programs
Contact
University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado

$15,000—$20,000 Semester

Undergraduate Online Certificate/Short Term
Contact

Featured Programs

Santa Rosa Junior College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Online
Learn More

University of Northern Iowa

Typical cost per Year: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

University of Mississippi

Typical cost per Semester: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Related Stories

How do I begin if I want to study in America?

Main image for the article titled How do I begin if I want to study in America?
I want to study in the USA. How do I get started?

Close-up of international student
When Should I Take the TOEFL Exam

Main image for the article titled When Should I Take the TOEFL Exam
What Every International Student Should Know About Academic Integrity in the U.S.

Main image for the article titled What Every International Student Should Know About Academic Integrity in the U.S.

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for IELTS for the USA

IELTS for the USA

IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. It is accepted by more than 3,400 institutions in the US. If you want to study in the US, IELTS can help you get there!

Read more
Partner service logo for Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Choose an entire apartment, a studio, a shared room, or a private room, with 24x7 assistance from Personal Student Advisors. Book Now!

Read more
Partner service logo for The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

Prove your English and achieve your goals with the Michigan English Test – widely recognized and available on your own schedule at a test center or from home.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

It helped me realize the opportunities that were present to an international student like me and helped me evaluate my options to finding the best college for me

Muskan Uprety Nepal

I used Study in the USA to narrow down which colleges to apply to.

Yara Musad Sudan

Study in the USA helped me by putting me in contact with the different schools and by sending me information of different programs

Eric Invers Rubio Spain

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.