What makes a college good overall?

I'm starting my college search and trying to figure out what makes a college good. Is it more about academics, campus life, or something else? What factors should I be considering when evaluating colleges in general?

Determining what makes a "good" college fundamentally comes down to aligning it with your specific needs, interests, and goals. Different people have different priorities, so a college that's great for one person might not be as appealing to another. That being said, here are some factors you might want to consider when evaluating colleges:

1. Academics: This is usually a primary concern for applicants. Look at the strength of the departments or majors you're interested in. Consider the difficulty or intensity of the academic rigor, the flexibility of the curriculum, and the opportunities for research, internships, or study abroad experiences.

2. Campus Culture: This encompasses everything from the atmosphere and traditions of the college to the attitudes of the students and faculty. It can be informed by factors such as school size, location (urban vs. rural, warm vs. cold climate), religious or secular affiliation, and political climate.

3. Student Life: This includes extracurricular clubs and organizations, athletics, housing, and dining options. It's about the quality of life you'll have outside the classroom.

4. Graduation and Retention Rates: These metrics can give you a sense of how successful the college is at keeping students and seeing them successfully complete their degree.

5. Career Services and Outcomes: Look for information on job placement rates, graduate school acceptance rates, and average starting salaries. This can give you some information about where graduates end up after they leave.

6. Size and Class Ratio: How large or small a school is can influence your experience. You may prefer smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, or you may thrive in a larger, more anonymous environment.

7. Cost and Financial Aid: This can be a very important factor, depending on your financial situation. Look at tuition costs, availability of scholarships, and the average financial aid package size.

8. Diversity: Consider whether the school is culturally and socioeconomically diverse, and if that aligns with your preferences or not.

Each of these factors come together to determine whether a college might be a good fit for you - "good" is in the eye of the beholder, after all. The perfect combination of these attributes will vary greatly from person to person, so it's important to find a school that aligns with your personal values and ambitions.

Remember, the most reputable or 'prestigious' school may not always be the best fit for you. Be sure to take into account what you truly want out of your college experience.