What red flags should I look out for when researching colleges?

If a school’s website feels like a marketing ad with zero substance, that’s a red flag. You want clear info on academics, student life, and outcomes—not just drone footage and “We’re the best!” slogans. If course catalogs are outdated, or you can’t find real details on programs and faculty, be wary. Look out for vague stats, low graduation rates, or consistently poor student reviews on multiple platforms. Also, pay attention to what’s missing. If you care about diversity, mental health resources, or support for first-gen students and can’t find any mention of them, that’s worth questioning. Trust your gut. If a school feels sketchy or too secretive, there’s probably a reason.