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Custom Family College Tour

Custom family college tours by Education Unlimited allow parents and students to visit colleges and universities throughout the United States on their own schedule. 

For many students, the process of figuring out which school best fits their needs is an overwhelming and confusing task. Our family college tours transform this experience into an enriching and exciting summer adventure, in which families participate in campus tours, meet with admissions representatives, and receive materials to help evaluate each school. 

Click the tabs below to learn more about this program and to view a tour schedule.


Custom family college tours are a wonderful opportunity for families to tour numerous college campuses together without having to worry about the logistics of arranging such a trip. 

With nearly 30 years of experience in booking college tours, Education Unlimited has the experience and expertise to make your travel experience stress-free and exceptional.  Families can choose from a wide variety of campuses, including private and public schools in both urban and rural areas. Families will be able to determine if a large or small school is appropriate for them.  Tours can be arranged to fit any family schedule from a single day to two weeks. In addition to their college tours, families will have the option to explore the local charm of their university towns through fun excursions and experiences.  In past, participants have hiked the liberty trail, dined in Harvard Square, explored Greenwich Village and the South Street Seaport, and witnessed the impressive monuments of DC while shopping in Georgetown.

Our Director of Admissions will work directly with families to plan their perfect college trip.  Families can often comfortably see two universities a day spending about 3-hours per campus doing an organized campus tour and admissions office meeting or doing a longer visit including visiting classes.  

Three simple steps will make the planning of your college tour a breeze: 

Step 1: A free consultation with our Director of Admissions to determine your preferred dates, colleges/universities, and interests.  To view sample itineraries, check out our East Coast and California College Tour pages. 

Step 2: We will put together a tentative schedule for your tour including laying out the best order and schedule to visit universities for your desired outcomes. ($50 deposit required)

Step 3: We will make all reservations and arrangements for your college tours and put together a customized itinerary to make travel a breeze. (Fee $150 per day for up to 3 individuals; an additional $25 per day for additional tour participants)

Add-ons: For an additional fee, Education Unlimited, can also arrange all travel including airfare, hotels, excursions, and car rental as needed. 

Staff Support: An Education Unlimited representative will be available 24/7 via phone to support you during your trip.  If desired, a staff member can also accompany you in-person during the tour for an additional fee. 


A transparent and simple pricing model makes booking custom family college tours a breeze: 

* Planning: Initial consultation with the Director of Admissions - Free

* College Visits: College visits generally included guided college tours and admissions office meetings.  Families can generally comfortably visit two universities per day.

           * Pricing: $150/day for up to 3 participants - Additional $25/participant for 4-6 participants.  For example, a five-day tour, visiting 10 universities for 3 participants would cost $750.  

* Travel Logistics: Education Unlimited is experienced at finding great rates on hotels, airfare, and car rental.  Families can make these arrangements on their own for no fee, or we can make these arrangements for them within their desired preferences and budget for a 10% fee.   For example, if the hotel fee is $200, EU would charge a $20 fee to make the reservation. 

* Travel support: 

   * 24/7 logistical support during travel is included at no additional charge. 

    * Families may also choose to have an Education Unlimited employee travel with them at an additional charge.  Most families do not find this necessary given the detailed itineraries that are created for them. 


Sample Pricing for a family tour for 3 people visiting 10 universities over 5 days: 
  • Booking College Tours: $750
  • Hotels: Approximately:  $1100
  • Car Rental: Approximately: $500 
  • Gas: Approximately $150
Total cost: $2500

** Costs do not include airfare to and from the start of the tour/end of the tour or meals

Program Grades Location Start Date End Date Price Options Register

Education Unlimited is dedicated to providing customized college tour schedules tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each family. To achieve this, families will work closely with the Director of Admissions, who will leverage her extensive knowledge and experience to design the perfect college tour itinerary. The Director will also consider logistical constraints to ensure that the schedule is feasible and efficient. By collaborating with Education Unlimited, families can create a personalized college tour experience that aligns with their unique requirements and goals.

Below is a sample of a fast-paced East Coast college tour itinerary visiting 10 universities from Boston to Washington DC in 5-days.  Depending on how much time a family has and how many schools they wish to see, a more leisurely-paced tour can be arranged including some days off for site-seeing or family leisure time.  

Sample East Coast College Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Boston
  • Arrive at Boston Logan Airport 
  • Welcome to Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States!
Day 2
Day 3 Providence, Rhode Island, and New Haven, Connecticut

Day 4 New York City, New York

  • Morning College Tour: Choose between Columbia University- OR -Barnard College.
  • Afternoon College Tour: New York University (NYU)
  • Drive to Philadelphia and enjoy a quick tour of the Liberty Bell
  • Check into our hotel before heading out to one of Philly's best cheesesteaks and a sweet treat. The locals know it puts Pat and Geno's to shame. We recommend the Philly with cheese wiz! Really! Vegetarian options are also available.
Day 5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Start the morning at Reading Terminal where you will take in the mouth-watering aromas of Philadephia's historic farmers market before heading out for your tours. 
  • Morning College Tour: Choose between the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) or Temple University.
  • Afternoon College Tour: Choose between Swarthmore College- OR -Villanova University.
  • Drive to Washington DC
  • Spend the evening exploring Washington DC's greatest monuments lit up by night before having dinner in the historic city center.
Day 6 Washington, DC


Please note:

  • Schedule Subject to change.
  • Families are responsible for arranging transportation to meet the tour at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and to depart from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles (IAD).
  • While rare, some universities may limit the number of students who can be on a tour. While we always try to give students their first choice, registrations are on a first come first serve basis.

Education Unlimited offers custom family tours that are arranged directly with their Director of Admissions, who is a former high school principal with experience in organizing and leading custom and group college tours. The Director will work closely with families to understand their needs and preferences, make recommendations, and craft the perfect itinerary to meet their needs.

During the tours, university representatives will lead information sessions and answer questions to help families decide if the university is the perfect fit for their students. In case any unexpected challenges or questions arise, Education Unlimited will be available 24/7 to assist families.

If families desire, an Education Unlimited staff member may be arranged to travel with them for an additional fee. However, most families find this unnecessary as all logistics are carefully planned in advance to make traveling on their own stress-free.