<p>I know I didn't link this properly but here is some information on dorms for Santa Barbara City College. They are shared with UCSB and Brooks Institute of Photography...</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tropicanagardens.com%5B/url%5D">http://www.tropicanagardens.com</a></p>
<p>If the choice is between a CSU and CC (not qualified for a UC now....) here are somethings to consider. </p>
<p>The UC system makes it very hard for students to go to the CSU schools and then transfer as Juniors. They want students to either go the CC route and transfer or do the 4 years at UC. In fact, a few years back, the UC had to send letters to qualified students telling them that there was not enough space for them and gave them the option of going to a 2 year CC with an automatic admission as a junior. Not sure how many students actually took them up on this offer.......and the UC's did a major reversal this year. The UC does not readily accept junior transfers from the CSU's. The CSU's want 4 years. They do not want to be "stepping stones" to the UC's. CSU Long Beach is now one of the hardest California school to get into and was rated (can't remember by which publication) as one of "the best values for the money" anywhere. They actually recruit high achieving students with full-ride scholarships based on merit. It is getting increasingly harder to get into some of the CSU's, so CC may be a great option.</p>
<p>By the way, take a look at U of Arizona. Lots of kids from our high school have gone there because they were not terribly focused on college during their high school years but ended up wanting to go away to school. Your student could get in with the scores and grades you mentioned. The out-of-state costs are relatively low compared to other out of state schools. It is one of the Pac-10, so has a lot to offer...........</p>
<p>If crossing state lines is an option -- several kids from my daughter's high school have opted for SUNY -- even with out of state tuition, total cost of attendance is less than most UC's.</p>