05/14/2026
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: How To Research A College's Website
When starting your college search, checking out a college’s website is often the first place to look. However, websites are not standardized and can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate, so here are some tips for researching college websites to efficiently get the information you need.
First of all, make sure you go to the actual college website, NOT Wikipedia! College websites typically begin with their name or initials and end with .edu.
Most college websites have tabs that will bring you to pages with the most relevant information to start your search. Click on the tabs and read through to see if the college fits your academic, social and financial needs. Under Admissions you will find application instructions and deadlines, admission requirements, etc. Under Academics you can peruse the college’s possible majors and minors. To quickly access specific information, such as a particular major or field of study click on the search icon and type what you are looking for into the search box.
The Student Life tab will describe housing and dining options, clubs and organizations on campus (including Greek life), campus events and health services. In addition, many larger schools have tabs for Athletics. A rule of thumb is the more extensive the sports section is, the more emphasis the college places on sports.
The Financial tab will bring you to their published tuition and fees as well as their Financial Aid information. You can also access a “Net Price Indicator” or “Financial Calculator” to get an estimate of your cost to attend this college.
When navigated with intention the college website can be a significant resource in your college search by providing important facts, figures and information, as well as providing insight into the school’s culture.
For more information go to www.collegedocs.com.