<p>Lots of Californians go to CC for various reasons and then transfer, many to UC's, and I have a friend whose daughter transferred to one of the elites from Diablo Valley CC. It is a respectable option. Motivated students do quite well starting off at CC's in CA. Also, some of the state schools in the midwest are incredibly cheap. You might look into trying something there with a transfer in a couple of years to a bigger name school, if you really want the degree from more of a "name" school. I have mentioned elsewhere on this forum that my nephew is going to Bemidji State--sticker price of around 10,200 for tuition room and board-- and loving it. And some of the "unknown" privates in the midwest have a lower sticker price (not much more than $20,000) and offer merit aid.</p>
<p>Another possibility is to consider going ROTC. You get around $600 a month.</p>
<p>Jaw -- You can reduce your costs considerably by living cheap. Review your list for living expenses and really investigate what is available in terms of housing options for each college. Sometimes living off-campus is the way to go, especially if you've got a flexible attitude on the number of roommates. There are usually local online lists that students use to find off-campus housing and p/t work. Just a thought anyway.</p>
<p>I read an interview yesterday with Stephen Hawking in The NY Times Magazine, and he was asked how he manages to keep his spirits up. He replied that his expectations were reduced to zero when he was 21, and everything since then has been a bonus. Going to college at all is a bonus, imho. ;o)</p>
<p>Jaws...check your pms. I just wrote to you about our experience with aid at Colgate. My son had similar stats and we would probably have a similar EFC. He got a great offer.</p>