I think I will be able to receive OUTSIDE scholarships, at least?! Not the ones given by the state government…
I guess then I have no option but a CC. Or last option, CSU.
Non-resident students in California public universities may receive merit scholarships, but (a) there are not many big ones, and (b) anything big is offered to incoming students, not continuing students. Non-resident students in California public universities are not eligible for state or school based financial aid determined by need.
Getting into a California public medical school as a non-resident is technically possible, but practically so unlikely that it is unlikely to be worth the bother to apply.
There are not many big outside scholarships, particularly for continuing students.
The competition for that NIH money will be just about as fierce as competition for admission at an Ivy. Don’t plan on getting it.
You need to speak with your mom, and find out what she really can afford to pay for your education. Then you need to find an affordable option. If you move to CA, get a job, and work for a couple of years, it may be possible to establish residence there on your own. However, you will need to verify the proper steps, and you almost certainly will not be able to take any classes at all while you are doing that.
You may need a gap year at the very least in order to find a better list for yourself.