Dr. Christina Dryden: Helping Students Choose College Well

Episode Description

How do students really choose a college—and what do families often overlook?

In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Christina Dryden explore how students make college decisions, what criteria matter most to them, and why the true value of higher education goes far beyond rankings and prestige.

Drawing from Christina’s experience as a Vice Provost, assessment leader, and parent, this episode examines college choice through a human lens—focusing on formation, learning how to learn, relationships, and preparing students for a lifetime of change.

Key Topics

• How students evaluate colleges differently than parents expect
• Graduation rates, fit, and hands-on learning
• Why rankings often matter more to institutions than students
• The deeper return on investment of higher education
• Education as preparation for the eighth job, not the first

Guest

Christina Dryden
Vice Provost, American College of Financial Services

Explore the AI Course Design Accelerator at www.engagedbydesign.com