Finding Your Fit

College is Not One-Size-Fits-All.

Finding the right college means finding the right fit for you—academically, socially, financially, and personally. There is no single "best" college, only the one that best matches your goals and interests.

Exploring Colleges

Finding the right college starts with getting to know yourself. As you begin exploring your options, ask yourself questions like:

  • What careers are related to the high school classes and subjects I enjoy most?
  • What type of education fits my goals—certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree?
  • What are my expectations for college?
  • Do I want a big school or a small school?
  • Do I want to be close to home or farther away?
  • What activities and experiences are important to me in a college experience?
  • What are my financial aid opportunities?

Things to Consider When Searching for a College

Find a Place That Feels Like Home
Find a Major to Launch Your Career
Find Student Experiences That Meet Your Interests
Find a College That Provides Value
Resources to Explore Colleges

How to explore colleges

You can get to know a college in a variety of ways, including in-person college events, visits with admissions representatives at your high school and at college fairs. Never hesitate to contact a college admissions representative to discuss opportunities to visit.

Admissions Visits to High Schools

Each year college admissions representatives schedule visits to local high schools to talk with students. Take advantage of these opportunities to get a better feel for their college. Even if you get the sense that it’s not a good fit, you’ll be one step closer to knowing what type of college could work for you. Wondering when a college will visit your school? Either talk to your school representative or contact the college’s admissions representative directly.

College Fairs

A college fair is an event where representatives from colleges come to a school, convention center or other location to talk to high school students about the colleges they represent and answer questions. College fairs are offered throughout South Dakota every fall and spring. Take advantage of these opportunities to thoroughly explore and find colleges that meet your needs.

Campus Visit Events

South Dakota’s state public technical colleges and universities host visit day events throughout the year. Some events are geared toward specific career fields and majors, while others are targeted at specific age groups, such as Junior Visit Day. (Click the technical college and university logos below to schedule individual campus visits.)

Pro Tip: If possible, visit at least two colleges before making your decision. Seeing a campus in person can help you determine whether it feels like the right fit.

Making the Most of your In-Person Campus Visit

Congratulations! You’ve scheduled an in-person campus visit.

Your goal is simple: determine whether this college feels like the right fit for you. Don’t worry if it feels a little overwhelming—you’ll be learning a lot in a short amount of time. Use the suggestions below to make the most of your visit.

Meet With an Admissions Representative
Take a Campus Tour
Talk to a Professor/Instructor
Talk to College Students
Eat on Campus
Walk Around Campus on Your Own
Attend an Activity
Check out the Community

Explore Majors

Not sure what you want to study? Explore South Dakota’s degree programs and majors to discover academic pathways that align with your interests and career goals.

Compare Costs

Understanding college costs can help you make an informed decision. Compare tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities across South Dakota’s public colleges and universities.