The Guide

The College Portrait is reliable source of basic information about public colleges and institutions for prospective college students and their families. Below are a few handy tips for using the College Portrait.

  • The information presented in each College Portrait uses common definitions and is arranged in the same order so that you can easily compare different schools and find the ones that best match your needs and interests.
  • You will see many different links that will take you to outside websites that contain more information than could fit on the College Portrait. These links are one way to find out what is distinctive about a particular school - so be sure to click on the different links as you browse the information.
  • There are two basic types of links – red CLICK HERE links and the MORE links in the gray heading bars. You will see the red CLICK HERE links on all College Portraits. The MORE links are optional. Schools can add a MORE link if they want to give you “more” details on a particular item. So pay attention to the MORE links, if school has included a MORE link that usually means they have something important to tell you.
  • Remember that a College Portrait is only an introduction to a college or university. We encourage you to explore websites, contact admissions counselors, visit campuses, talk to faculty in your intended major, etc. Build a more complete picture of the opportunities available so you can select the right college for you!