As seniors receive their college acceptance throughout mid-December and January, they have been weighing factors such as proximity, tuition cost and majors the college provides as a way to decide what university suits them best. Most schools with rolling admissions send out their acceptance letters weekly, with others sending them out more sporadically/

Senior Zain Saleh plans to attend Austin Community College (ACC) this upcoming fall due to the free tuition they are offering for the class of 2025. 

“A really huge factor in my choice was expense, when I found out about the free tuition I wanted to jump the gun and do that instead of paying 12,000 a semester for UT Austin,” Saleh said. “It just makes more sense for me to do all of my electives at ACC and then transfer my hours. I also want to take responsibility for paying for my own school instead of putting my parents in debt.” 

Saleh is also encouraged to do ACC due to the fact that he will be able to live at home and take advantage of saving money. 

“I will be able to work while I’m in college while still taking classes,” Saleh said. “ This would give me time to save money so that I’m able to use that towards something important.” 

Senior Sophia Pin-Charre is basing her choice on the majors the schools provide and the appearance of the campus. 

“I just need a college that has my degree and an enjoyable college life,” Pin-Charre said. “I have toured A&M, UT and Texas State in order to help narrow down my options.”

Senior Madeline Jones has been taking time to apply to various scholarships as cost and proximity to her family are important components in her decision.

“Tuition is playing a big factor in deciding what school I want to go to,” Jones said. “I also really want to be able to come home whenever I need to, I want to see my family often not just for holidays because I’ll miss them.”