California vs Austin

<p>I moved to Texas from Hawaii beginning of my Senior year and graduated from a Texas HS in Houston this June. I moved by myself and lived with my Uncle and aunt in Houston. I want to major in computer science. I have two options I want to pursue. I can go to a junior college in Texas (either, a juco in Houston, or Austin Community College. I'd prefer ACC). Then transfer to UT after completing 30 credits. I am almost sure I would be paying In state tuition at UT? If so then that would be around $10K a year for tuition alone. I do not know very many people here though and would not want to live in Texas after I graduate. </p>

<p>I would rather live in CA after I graduate college.</p>

<p>I have a lot of family and very close friends in California, and my mom would prefer me to go to school in CA, as its closer to Hawaii and my parents visit there often. (They are also thinking of moving there in 2-4 years) I have already enrolled (Not paid) for classes at Santa Barbara City College in California so I can go there if I want. I would want to transfer to a UC school such as UCSB or Berkeley, or Davis? I would attend SBCC for two years, and transfer to a UC school. Problem is I would not be able to acquire residency so I would pay OOS for 2 years at a UC school which is about $35K/yr tuition.</p>

<p>My parents can pay for tuition for a junior college (whether its CA or TX) and living/apartment costs for all four years. Its tuition thats the issue. I would take out loans for both universities (3 years at UT 30-40K, or 2 years at UC 60-70K) I want to know if the difference in loans is worth living in CA? also if I plan on settling in CA is it worth going to a UC school for jobs/connection etc. after graduation?</p>

<p>My dad has also told me he will be getting a raise in the near future and my mother will be getting a job so they may be able to pay for some of the California tuition, implying I could go to California with not that much of a difference in loans. I know Austin is a great city, I have visited 3 times. Weather in California is nicer though, and the transition will be easier because of the people I know there. I would probably enjoy going to college in CA over Austin, although I know Austin is not bad at all. I may struggle in CA though because of the rising living costs, and budget cuts which are raising tuition. I would like any advice here on what option I should pursue. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long post.</p>

<p>Also, I understand the fact that I would need to maintain a very good GPA and do well in all my classes to transfer into either UT or UC.</p>

<p>Do whatever is financially more sound for you. UT has an excellent computer science program (the department just finish building this massive $100 million building dedicated to it). No I’m not a republican but in this type of economy it’s way better to be fiscally conservative with the amount of loans you will take out. Stay where ever is instate for you.</p>

<p>Go for what you love, if you really want to go to California, I say do it!</p>

<p>Personally I prefer, Austin, but it’s personal taste!</p>