How to Choose a University
How do I know which university to choose as my home university?
If you're asking yourself this question, you are not alone. This is the number one question we receive from prospective students.
With so many reputable universities teaching in our programs, it can be difficult to choose just one home university.
What's a home university?
Your home university is where you enroll, pay tuition, and earn your degree or certificate.
Choosing just one university to call home does not preclude you from interacting with the other universities. The other universities in your program are teaching universities, which means faculty from those universities will teach courses in your program.
Where do I start?
First, you need to choose a program. View a full list of programs we offer. IDEA offers certificates and degrees in human sciences and agriculture.
Each program is offered by a select group of our member universities. So, once you've selected your program then you'll know which universities you have to choose from.
I know what program I want. Now what?
From the short list of universities that participate in your chosen program, research the following to determine which university is the best fit for you:
- Requirements and timelines for admissions and graduation
- The degree title printed on your diploma (this is determined by the home university rather than IDEA)
- Requirements for a culminating experience such as a final exam, master’s report, thesis, practicum, or project
- Faculty research interests that might influence your decision
- Any policy for students who stop-out due to unexpected life events but plan to return to the program after a semester or two
Where do I find all of this information about each university?
Honestly, the most efficient way to get answers is to contact the campus coordinator at the universities of greatest interest to you.
If you prefer to do more research on your own, we can help. From each program webpage on our site, we provide links to each of the universities that teach in that program. Look for the heading that reads "Program Information at Participating Universities."
You may also find helpful information in your program's student handbook. Find a list of program handbooks here.
How do I learn more about the faculty in each program?
At the bottom of each program webpage, you'll find a section titled "Meet Our Faculty." Here you can connect to each faculty member's directory page to learn more about them, find out about their research interests, and get their contact information.
What if I still have questions?
Contact our team at IDEA at 785-532-1999 or info@IDEA.edu. We are here to help get you going in the right direction to advance your career and create a fulfilling future.
If you’re ready to take the first step, apply now!
