Questions to Ask a College Admissions Representative (and Get in Writing)
Admissions staff can be genuinely helpful. They’re also part of the school’s sales process. Good questions, and written answers, protect you either way.
A conversation with an admissions representative is a chance to get specific answers, not just a brochure. Bring a list, take notes and ask for the important answers by email afterward.
About the school
- Who accredits the school, and does the program have its own accreditation? Then check it yourself rather than relying on the answer.
- What’s the graduation rate for students like me? Ask about part-time, transfer and online students if that’s you, not just first-time full-time freshmen.
- How many students in this program finish on time?
About cost
- What’s the total cost of the whole program? Include tuition, fees, books, technology, lab or clinical fees and any graduation fees.
- What will I pay after grants? Ask for a written estimate, and try the school’s net price calculator.
- What’s the refund policy if I withdraw? Ask about both the school’s tuition refund and what happens to any federal aid.
About outcomes
- What’s the job placement rate, and how is it calculated? Ask what counts as a placement, which graduates are included and what period the data covers.
- What do graduates typically earn and borrow? Compare the answer with the College Scorecard.
- Does this program meet licensure requirements in my state? Essential for nursing, teaching, counseling and similar fields; see licensure disclosures.
About credits
- How many of my existing credits will transfer, and can I get that evaluated before I enroll? A written, course-by-course evaluation is worth asking for. See transferring college credits.
- Will credits from this school transfer elsewhere if I need to move?
Caution: Federal law bars colleges that take federal student aid from paying recruiters bonuses or commissions based on how many students they enroll. Even so, watch for pressure tactics: deadlines that expire today, discounts that vanish if you don’t sign now, vague answers about cost, or advice to leave things off financial aid forms.
After the conversation
Read the enrollment agreement before you sign it, especially the sections on cost, refunds and dispute resolution. Compare at least two or three schools. If anything you were told turns out to be false, keep your notes and emails; they matter if you later need to file a complaint with the school’s accreditor, your state’s higher education agency or the Department of Education.
In brief
- Ask who accredits the school and the program, and check the answer yourself.
- Get the total cost for the whole program, not just tuition per credit.
- Ask how job placement rates are calculated before you trust them.
- Colleges that take federal aid can’t pay recruiters per enrollment, so heavy sales pressure is a warning sign.
Readers ask
Is it rude to ask for answers in writing?
Not at all. An email confirming what you discussed is normal, and a school that won’t put basic facts in writing is telling you something.
What’s a net price calculator?
A tool on a college’s website that estimates what you’d actually pay after grants and scholarships, based on your circumstances. Colleges that take federal aid are required to offer one.
Should I enroll the same day I talk to a recruiter?
There’s rarely a good reason to. Take time to check accreditation, compare costs and read the enrollment agreement.
Admission rules, accreditation status and licensing requirements change. This guide is general information for students in the U.S.; confirm the details with the school, its accreditor or your state licensing board before you enroll.