How to Research Any College Online in 30 Minutes or Less
Thinking about college? That’s a big decision— one of the biggest decisions people make in life.
For some people, college is an obvious next step. For others, it’s one option among many. Either way, if you’re considering college—even just a little bit—it makes sense to do some research before diving in.
But here’s the problem: college websites can feel overwhelming. They throw around fancy words like “academic rigor” and “experiential learning”—but what does that actually mean for you?
We have good news for you: You don’t need to spend hours buried in college brochures or endless online searches. In just 30 minutes or less, you can get a solid understanding of any school (and whether college is worth it for you) by looking in the right places.
Here’s exactly how to do it!
Minutes 1-10: Start with the College Website
Think of the college website as the official highlight reel—it’s where they put their best foot forward. Here’s what you should focus on:
✅ Academics Page: What majors do they offer? Are they strong in the area you’re interested in?
✅ Admissions & Costs: How hard is it to get in? What’s the cost of tuition, and what scholarships do they offer?
✅ Campus Life: What kind of activities, dorms, and student organizations do they have?
✅ Graduation Rate: What percentage of students actually finish?
🚨 Pro Tip: If a college makes you click through 17 different pages just to find tuition costs, that might be a red flag!
Minutes 11-20: Check Out Their Social Media
A college’s social media accounts give you a real-time look at student life. Here’s what to do:
📸 Instagram – See what students are posting! Does campus life look exciting? Are people engaged?
📘 Facebook – (Okay, mostly for parents, but still worth checking out.)
🎥 YouTube – Look for campus event videos, student testimonials, and stories about alumni and where they are now in life.
💡 Hack: If a school’s social media is filled with graphics and trends from three years ago, they might be out of touch with Gen Z.
Minutes 21-30: Read Online Reviews (the Honest Ones!) and See Where Alumni Are Today
College websites paint a rosy picture, but what do real students and parents think? Where do graduates end up?
🔹 Google Reviews – Sometimes brutal, sometimes insightful.
🔹 Niche.com – Read student reviews about academics, dorms, and professors.
🔹 Business Websites/Blogs – Bios of people who have attended the school.
🚨 Warning: Every school has a few bad reviews. Look for patterns—if multiple students complain about the same issue (like bad dorms or disorganized advising), take note.
Final Thoughts: Research = Confidence
Researching colleges online isn’t just about picking a school—it’s about figuring out if college even fits your future. By spending just 30 minutes digging into the right details, you’ll get a clearer picture of what college life is like, what it costs, and whether it’s the best path for your goals.
And if you’re still unsure? That’s okay! College is a big decision, and you don’t have to rush it. Keep exploring, talk to people who’ve been there, and most importantly, pray for wisdom as you take your next steps.
Another important step when making your decision about college is to visit the ones that are at the top of your list!
You can get started with that process by reading our dedicated article, Do THIS to Have a Great College Visit. We have a few pointers and some questions that you can ask on your visit.
Also be sure to download our free planning guide, “20 Questions to Answer If You’re Thinking about College,” at https://faith.edu/how-to-prepare-for-college/.
We’d love to help you on your journey, even if our school is not your final destination!
