College with good financial aid/scholarships in CA?

Paying for College
1

I’m just trying to widen my search for colleges and keep an open mind on colleges I will apply to. I’m currently a senior in Southern California and would really like to lower my cost of attendance in college.
Gpa: 4.67 weighted 3.89 unweighted
Sat: CR: 660 m:720 w:700
Act: 31
Rank: currently tied for 2 with two other people out of about 430

I know there are a few colleges that have guaranteed scholarships (even if I am eligible) but most of them are on the other side of the country.
I’m thinking of majoring in engineering.
I would just like some advice on any colleges that may have better financial aid or merit scholarships in general and if I would be eligible for any.
Most of the colleges I’m applying to like ucsd and chapman, I don’t think I can get much aid from although I am aware of the blue and gold program. My family income I think is about 60,000.
I would maybe even think of Nevada or Arizona.
Thanks for any help I appreciate it!

2

Did you determine if you are Cal Grant eligible?

3

Go to each college’s web site and search for net price calculator. Use it to get an estimate of financial aid and net price for you.

Generally, UCs have pretty good in-state financial aid, although there will be a student contribution of $8,000 to $10,000 per year (typically $5,500 federal direct loan plus some work earnings). CSUs that you can commute to may be cheaper than UCs. But check the net price calculators.

4

Arizona State has a scholarship estimator where you put in your stats and it estimates what scholarships you may get: https://scholarships.asu.edu/estimator

However, putting your stats results in net prices that are probably higher than the net prices of UCs and CSUs after need based aid.