The cost of private college has capped $40,000 annually for most schools. This expense is too large for many families to handle alone, and student loans are becoming a more common issue for young college students. When considering whether it is best to attend a public college or a private college, there are factors other than college rank to keep in mind. The advice, “go to the best school possible,” may be outdated in today’s complicated environment. When filling out college applications, ask these questions:

Will I Go to Graduate School?

If you intend to go to graduate school, your choice of an undergraduate university becomes less important. A degree matters most in the first few years after graduating from college. When you do not yet have work experience for your resume, you will have to show your academic prowess indicates your ability to succeed. For this reason, a more prestigious degree and high GPA are important when you apply for your first job. However, if you are not applying for a job until after graduate school, then you can wait a little longer to go to a prestigious school. Top graduate schools will accept students from nearly any college if they have good grades and test scores.

Where do I Want to Work?

The school you graduate from will set you up with connections and internships in the area where the school is located. This is particularly true of public schools located in large markets. For example, attending a school like the University of Florida will present you with a number of connections with jobs in Florida. Since the school is so large, there are graduates form the school in most large companies. If you want to work in Los Angeles, you would be better off attending a University of California public school. Public schools have a greater connection to the local job market than most private schools.

What Will my Major Be?

If you already know the major you will pursue, you can elect a school that focuses on that particular major regardless of whether it is public or private. For example, the University of Missouri is a large public school known for its journalism program. Virginia Tech is known for its veterinary program. Some public schools are well-advanced in vocational majors while private schools tend to offer a more well-rounded liberal arts education.

What Connections Do I Currently Have?

One key advantage to attending a specific school is gaining contacts in your industry. For example, the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania is known for excellent connections in the business world. If you do not have connections in business and would like a job with a major financial institution, this pricey education may be worth the cost. On the other hand, if you intend to work for your family business and are well-connected, it may be worth your while to attend a less costly university. Look at reviews on placement in careers to determine how well-connected a school is in a particular industry.

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