Here are some potential questions to consider raising on your next campus visit. What questions would you add that reflect your own priorities or interests?

• How would you describe the character of the campus?
• What type of orientation introduces a newcomer to campus life?
• Where do students live — on or off campus?
• Are there stimulating social and intellectual opportunities — lectures, debates, concerts? Are they well attended by faculty and students?
• What percentage of students return the following year?
• What is the graduation rate after 4 years? 6 years?

• How welcoming is your campus to diverse populations?
• What resources do you have to help first generation students?
• How many students are from Minnesota, other states or other countries? 
• How do students treat each other?

• What is the average class size? What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
• What can you tell me about the major I'm interested in?
• Do professors or graduate assistants teach first-year classes and labs?
• How extensively does the college rely on part-time or adjunct faculty?
• Are faculty members available to talk to first-year students about their academic disciplines and provide career guidance?
• What kind of availability do professors offer?
• Will I have an academic advisor? How many students are assigned to one advisor? Will the advisor be a professor?
• Is excellent teaching valued and used as factor in awarding tenure and promotion? Does the college offer resources to improve teaching?
• Does teaching include more than lecturing?
• Are students encouraged to work together, discuss topics in class or do self-directed independent projects?
• Are undergraduate students able to work with faculty on academic or scientific research?
• Do students participate in a senior seminar or design a senior project to demonstrate mastery of their major field of study?
• How is technology used in teaching and learning?

• Does the college have a program to identify students having academic or personal issues, and programs to help them?
• Are tutors, skill centers, writing assistance, counselors provided?
• What kind of tools, resources and training does the library provide?
• What kind of technology (Wi-fi, laptops, computer labs etc.) is available or planned?

• What happens after class and on weekends?
• What clubs and activities are students involved in?
• What kinds of student organizations are on campus?
• What kind of off-campus or study abroad programs does the college offer? What percentage of students participate?
• What opportunities are there for community service and/or religious activities?

• What internship or career exploration opportunities are available?
• Do the programs and majors offered fit potential career interests?
• What services does the career development office provide?
• What kind of careers do alumni have?
• Do alumni help identify opportunities for recent grads?

• What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available?
• What percentage of students receive financial aid? On average, how much?
• What jobs are available on and off campus?