A match algorithm is provided that matches, rather than filters, students and schools. The output of the algorithm informs the student as to how well he/she matches against every school in the database across many criteria. The student can sort and search through the rankings to identify the schools that are a best match; conversely, school administrators may sort and search through the student profiles to identify students that may be targeted for admission, may be more likely to matriculate to an enrolled student, persist through to the second year, graduate, and/or ultimately give back as an alum. Matches are based on profiles of the characteristics, interests, desires and level of interest and desire of the student matched against the characteristics profile of the college. The student may indicate how important many of these criteria are to him/her. The college information is s provided primarily by the colleges themselves via an annual survey. In addition, Affordability criteria may be generated that may be used as a Match Factor to find schools in the database that most closely fit the student's ability, willingness and desire to afford the school and minimize the debt burden to attend.