For several decades, researchers have considered college choice and the many variables involved which influence the decision-making of students. This study explored the college choice process of 33 first-year students at two United Methodist colleges using the Hossler and Gallagher (1987) model of college choice. Through qualitative research, students described their aspirations to attend college, the search process they conducted to consider various colleges and universities, and the factors which ultimately influenced their choice decision. This study revealed that the small size of the institutions, location, co-curricular participation, academic programs and financial assistance were the top five choice factors of students attending United Methodist colleges. Additionally, this research sought to discern the impact the United Methodist Church affiliation or church-related identity of the institution has on influencing students’ decisions to attend United Methodist colleges. While the United Methodist affiliation and faith-based nature of the institutions were deemed more positive than negative by research participants, the Christian identity of the institution was primarily irrelevant as a college choice factor for students interviewed in this study.
