Location/Environment – geographic, urban/suburban/rural, residential, ambiance

Type – liberal arts, comprehensive, private, public, special emphasis

Mission – reason it exists, history

Curriculum – what majors, freshman year or core requirements, special academic programs, academic calendar, average class size, ease of changing majors

Faculty – number of full-time, number who have terminal degrees, examples of research

Student body – size, geographic, ethic, socio-economic diversity, commuter/residential

Co-curricular life – student organizations, frats/sororities, athletic teams, intramurals, first-year opportunities, study abroad opportunities

Resources – endowment, well-maintained campus, libraries, dormitories, career development services

Admission – requirements and expectations-dates for application, credentials needed, profile of mid-range of accepted students

Cost/financial aid – current costs, expected tuition increases, aid policy, aid package composition—average grant, loan and merit awards

Outcomes – placement profiles, retention rates