Chances are your rising high school senior is looking at potential colleges for the next year. This is a good thing. Planning for the future is a very important task, and one that is not to be taken lightly.

Google has launched a new feature designed specifically for this purpose. Those who use the search engine for any topic related to post-secondary education and training will discover that Google offers additional ways to “look into educational options while finding a college that meets your needs”.

This new tool allows users to view more information than simply the school’s website. Included is the display of cost for both students and parents, expected costs after using student aid and breakdowns based on household income.

Potential students will have an easier time finding graduation rates and expected income after ten years post enrollment. This feature is designed to help students see the potential outcomes of attending that specific college or university. Other information they can find includes enrollment rates, the breakdown of the student body, notable alumni and schools that have similar demographics.

The information featured in Google’s college search knowledge panel tool is provided by IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Google collaborated with education researchers, nonprofit organizations, high school counselors and collegiate admissions professionals for a whole experience for the post-secondary education Google end user. The focus of Google’s new function will be a continuing improvement on access to information about post-secondary educational opportunities.

References:

Google Adds College Search Knowledge Panel.” Search Engine Land, 13 June 2018, searchengineland.com/google-adds-college-search-knowledge-panel-300080.