With tuition costs running high at home, some American high school students are looking north for college. A recent article in The Boston Globe reported that an increasing number of New Englanders are choosing Canada as their college destinations. At the moment, the stronger US dollar, coupled with lower-cost tuition, makes Canadian colleges more appealing than their American counterparts. If the dollars and cents difference is not enough to pique your interest, consider these benefits reported by NextStudent.com® Student Loan blog:

    * You can use your US federal student loans at Canadian colleges.
    * You may be eligible for merit-based financial aid.
    * The Canadian college admissions process often does not require an entrance essay or interview.
    * Many American students are accepted to higher caliber schools in Canada than they would have been in the US because of less stringent admissions standards.

Given these factors, it is not surprising that nearly twice as many Americans have applied to colleges in Canada over the last decade and that the trend is expected to rise in the next few years. Canadian colleges are focusing recruitment efforts within the U.S., given the spike in American student enrollment. If you are considering visiting Canada in your college search, I would suggest applying for your passport in advance. Beginning this year, you'll need it to cross the border and return to the United States .

Even if Canada is not in your college forecast, you may consider expanding your college search to get a bigger picture of your college options. Realize that there are great colleges out there beyond the schools where kids from your high school typically apply or where your brother or sister may have gone. Most of us have a short mental list of colleges that we are familiar with because of highly publicized sporting events or close proximity to our community. But, why limit yourself?

My advice:

Do yourself a favor and keep an open mind when you approach your college search. You may find your ideal college in the last place you expect it!