Virtual college tours are saving money and increasing access for students. Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff is the first public university to offer these tours through a website called YouVisit.
The tours start off like a traditional college visit.
“Welcome to Northern Arizona University, and thank you for exploring our beautiful campus,” a tour guide on the YouVisit website greets.
During this tour, there are stops at the library and student union.
The only thing different about this tour is that it's virtual— the interactive visit is all done through an electronic device.
David Dollins with NAU explains the benefits of virtual tours for students and their families.
"I think the virtual tour does allow families that may not be able to afford to attend an in-person tour to still be able to see what the college or university has to offer them in the way of academic programs, social fit, facilities, and just a general area of what it looks like,” Dollins said.
Part of the college application process is touring, but on top of test and application fees, travel expenses can add up.
Virtual tours also make the college application process more accessible for students by utilizing technology.
“I think that accessibility piece is a huge component and it’s leveraging technology," Dollins said, noting the tour can be take on mobile devices in addition to computers.
YouVisit, the website that hosts this virtual tour, offers tours for various colleges and universities throughout the country.