Community College or University??

[monkeyxse]

<p>First of all, I live in New York.</p>

<p>I got into University of Illinois at Chicago, and the tuition is around 24,000 a year.
But, I've been thinking, should I just go to a community college in California (Orange Coast College) and then transfer out to UCLA or UCI?
I was going to transfer out of UIC if I did actually go there too.. But I really want to go to UCLA/UCI.</p>

<p>What do you think?</p>

<p>And just wondering, did you hear about OCC before? If so, what of it?</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>How do you plan to support yourself in Cali? The job market sucks there and the cost of living is astronomical.</p>

[monkeyxse]

<p>I have a family member there.</p>

[Fasinro]

<p>And he lives in New York…i’m sure he’ll be able to find a place just as expensive </p>

<p>It would make more sense to go to the University of Illinois at Chicago, then transfer to UCLA and i;m saying that becuase it’ll be easier to get into if you indeed transfer from UIC vs Community College.</p>

<p>But if it’s too expensive, then go to community college or a cheaper private/public institution.</p>

[Wartsandall]

<p>No, it’s not too difficult to transfer from a community college here to a UC. UC’s give first priority to transfers.</p>

<p>That seems like a sufficient alternative.</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>The problem is, I think the OP will still be seen as OOS. That will make the costs astronomical. If this is the case, go to a CC in NY and try to transfer to UCLA or whatever UC you want.</p>

<p>

I have a family member there.

</p>

<p>Who would be willing to pay your living expenses and tuition?</p>

[Wartsandall]

<p>Well, if he attends a community college here, I don’t think that he would be seen as an out-of-state transfer applicant. That’s something that he needs to look into though.</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>^ California has very strict residency requirements: </p>

<p>

To be considered a California resident for purposes of fees, an out-of-state student must have lived in California for more than one year preceding the residence determination date, relinquish residence in other states, show an intent to establish residency in California and demonstrate financial independence. Unmarried undergraduates from other states qualify as financially independent if they were not claimed by their parents or others as dependents for tax purposes for two preceding tax years and if their annual income is sufficient to meet their needs.

</p>

<p>So, you need to be able to prove you can survive on your own. Can’t do that if other family is supporting you.</p>

[monkeyxse]

<p>Well, if I went to CC in California, then I would probably get a residence there.
And if I do get that residence, I can get into UCLA or UCI with a lower tuition.
My family member will be helping me with the living expenses and tuition, as well as my parents back at home.</p>

<p>@romanigypsyeyes</p>

<p>So I can’t get the residence if I live a year in California and get support from my family members?</p>

<p>Sometimes I double ask questions that are pretty obvious to make sure… lol</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>From the UCLA site specifically: </p>

<p>

Note: The financial independence requirement makes it extremely difficult for most undergraduate students whose parents are not California residents, including students from community colleges and other post-secondary institutions within California, to qualify for classification as a resident at the University of California. Transfer students who were classified as residents of California at their previous school should not assume that they will be classified as residents at UCLA.

</p>

<p>[UCLA</a> Registrar’s Office: Residence for Tuition Purposes–Establishing Residence](<a href=“http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/residence/establish.htm]UCLA”>http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/residence/establish.htm)</p>

[monkeyxse]

<p>Gosh the tuition for UCLA for non residents is almost ridiculous compared to those who are residents.</p>

[Wartsandall]

<p>That’s probably why their regulations are so strict.</p>

<p>I suggest that you call the schools and explain your situation. They should be able to answer your questions.</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>Sorry to be blunt, but don’t expect much. The UCs have greatly strengthened their already extremely strict residency requirements because of the budget crisis.</p>

<p>

Gosh the tuition for UCLA for non residents is almost ridiculous compared to those who are residents.

</p>

<p>They have no obligations to OOS students. They could charge 50k a credit hour if they wanted.</p>

[Saugus]

<p>@ Fasinro</p>

<p>That’s incorrect…</p>

<p>It’s ridiculously easy to transfer from community college to UCLA. You basically need two semesters with a 3.8, and you’re IN. Why?</p>

<p>Because UCLA has an agreement with certain community colleges. E.G. College of the Canyons.</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>^ Does that apply to non-residents?</p>

[Wartsandall]

<p>It doesn’t hurt to call them though. If anything it will just provide you with a definitive answer.</p>

<p>On the plus side of the budget crisis though, UC’s are finding out-of-state applicants to be more preferable, thus increasing your acceptance ability. The negative aspect would obviously be the cost associated with it.</p>

[andrewexd]

<p>@ romanigypsyeyes wouldn’t the budget crises make it better for UC’s to take out of state-ers ($$) ?</p>

[romanigypsyeyes]

<p>^ Yes, but money is an issue for the OP and just because they are more likely to take him doesn’t mean it’s more likely that he can pay…</p>