Private colleges and universities hold open houses this week

Several of Iowa’s private colleges and universities are going public this week. The 28 schools all across the state are participating in the Iowa Independent Colleges and Universities Association Private College Week. Kathleen Gannon is the Association’s spokesperson.Each school is a little different, but they each will have a tour and various ways of showing off their campuses. Gannon says the institutions are looking to make a good impression, as campus visits are one of the key factors students use in making their school choice.Gannon says they’re offering a passport program again, where students get a passport and have it stamped at each school they visit.Students who get a stamp at a college visit will have the application fee at the school waived. If they get a stamp from three or more schools, the application fee is waived at all 28 schools. Gannon says the Independent colleges and universities offer a personal touch.The schools will hold events on their campuses today through Friday.