<p>The most important factors are:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Suitable academics – check courses, majors, undergraduate research opportunities. For engineering, check [ABET</a> -](<a href=“http://www.abet.org%5DABET”>http://www.abet.org) accreditation.</p></li>
<li><p>Affordable cost – check the net price calculator on each college’s web site for financial aid estimates, and check for merit scholarships.</p></li>
</ul>