Any advice on OOS tuition??

Paying for College
1

<p>I'm a resident of PA (lived here all my life) but wish to go out of state, specifically to California State University, in the fall of '09. I applied and got accepted and desperately need to pitch the idea to my parents soon because time is running out and I don't know how keen they would be on me moving across the country. I was just wondering if anyone's ever made a move like this or has any advice on how to afford the OOS tuition. I'm currently applying for as many scholarships from online sites as humanly possible but the competition is extremely stiff.
From the information I've gathered, I'll be paying around 28,000 per year to attend this school and that would leave me at 84000 after 3 years (I'm currently attending my 2nd semester at an in-state school) which is not realistic for me.
I've also been considering the ROTC program but am unfamiliar with how it works in CA and would be eternally grateful if someone could explain it to me. I would be even more grateful if someone who has gone through the ROTC program in CA could tell me what it was like, and if it's worth it.</p>

<p>Oh and any info on how to get CA residency is appreciated too.</p>

2

<br>


<br>

<p>There are a number of threads already addressing getting INSTATE tuition for OOS students. Bottom line is that it is VERY difficult to do...sometimes possible...but VERY VERY difficult. </p>

<p>The CA schools are having financial difficulties as are many state university systems. Their FIRST responsiblity is to deal with their instate applicants whose families pay TAXES into the CA system. The CA taxpayers help subsidize the college costs at the UC's and Cal state schools. OOS students' families do not. That is why they pay OOS tuition.</p>

<p>The only easy way for your family to gain instate status is to MOVE to CA and do so ASAP as you need to live there for at least one year prior to being considered an instate resident for tuition purposes.</p>

<p>Now...back to your question. That is a hefty debt you are considering, one that will cost you a LOT of money for a lot of years upon graduation. As a parent, I'm not sure I would support that kind of debt for my child. Are your parents able and willing to contribute to your education annually, and if so, what amount? If not, are THEY willing to cosign loans for your or take loans in their name (e.g. Plus loan)? You likely will not be able to get this amount annually in loans by yourself.</p>

<p>Keep applying for outside scholarships. Maybe you can make up the costs. Make sure that you look into renewable ones. It won't make you happy if you get money for freshman year, and then don't have the money to continue for future years.</p>

<p>In the meantime, I hope you also have other applications out there to schools that do meet your family's financial criteria for payment....or are considering staying at your instate public and perhaps going to CA for grad school.</p>

3

<p>Yes I did read quite a few threads on OOS tuition but I'm more curious about what happens with the loans I currently have to attend school in state if I were to move to CA for a year to claim residency. Would I have to begin paying them back? It would be pretty tough paying back the loans and paying rent for a year.
My parents still have my younger sister at home so I doubt they would contribute directly like giving me cash or something but I'm sure they would cosign loans for me.</p>

4

<p>Speaking of moving to CA for a year to claim residency, is it realistic for an 18 year old to move out to California by herself for a year? And how likely are my chances of getting a job out there with the economy and everything?</p>

5

<br>


<br>

<p>My daughter goes to college in CA. It is VERY expensive to live in CA. We have a college graduate friend who has been looking for a job there....ANY JOB....for about three months. She hasn't found anything yet. Unless you have enough money to pay your bills for up to six months (with NO...no support from mom or dad in the "home state" if you are trying to become independent), I wouldn't risk moving there without the guarantee of a job and an inexpensive (ha ha) place to live. </p>

<p>Re: your loans...I don't know what kinds of loans you have. If they are Stafford or Perkins loans, you can switch schools and as long as you are IN school, you don't have to repay until after you are no longer in college. If you take a year off, you will have to pay for part of that year at least. If you have private educational loans, you will have to read the terms of those loans to see what the repayment criteria are.</p>

<p>I would very much suggest that you AVOID taking out any more loans for any reason. You are going to be in incredible debt with a huge loan repayment schedule if you continue this loan business. </p>

<p>Honestly, I don't know what your reasons are for transfering but I really would suggest that you look at options that are affordable to you and your family. You can always go to CA for grad school or to work once you have a degree.</p>

6

<p>"wish to go out of state, specifically to California State University"</p>

<p>Did you have a specific CSU in mind? Definitely easier to do with some than others.</p>

7

<p>If your parents don't move to Calif to establish residency, the only way you could would be to move out here, get a job, and become financially independent for one year. Financial independence means you receive zero support from your parents and they do not claim you on their tax return. The cheapest way to accomplish your goal would be to move to Calif, get a job, and take classes at a community college for one year and then transfer to CSU/UC.</p>

8

<p>I think any kid who is 19-20 would have a difficult time taking community college classes, supporting themselves with a full-time job and being completely independent. The community college classes would cost much more than for in-state students, so that doesn't help.</p>

<p>To be quite honest -- the reason more kids don't do this is that it is very, very difficult to do. You have to be completely financially independent for 12 months and prove it. That means that you have to show rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements and paychecks. Even if you can get a job for $10-$12/hr, it is tough to support yourself.</p>

<p>But -- let's say you manage to do that. You get a job making $12/hr and you gross ~$22,000 for those 12 months. You do realize that an independent student with that type of income is expected to contribute significantly to his/her college expenses, correct? Your EFC (if you have no assets) would be $5500 for college, which would mean you don't qualify for federal pell grants or acg. So -- it would all be loans.</p>