Im currently a freshman at CSU Fullerton, and my first semester is basically over. I am studying from home due to COVID-19, otherwise, I would be living on campus. My family does not qualify for financial aid, so my parents are paying full tuition. My internal conflict is that im not sure if I should continue attending this school, if my parents are paying this much, when I could attend a CC for way cheaper, and for nearly the same education. Is it still really worth attending this school especially since even the second semester will be online? Should I try transferring to CSUDH which is much closer and would not require me to live on campus? My mom keeps telling me I should stay where I am because its harder to get classes at CCs, but im not sure if thats true. I feel so guilty having my parents spend so much money on my education that feels unnecessary or not well spent. They always say not to worry about the money since they saved up for this and are pretty well off. But still. If I went to a CC second year, could I return to CSUF for my last 2 years, or is that just too much movement/trouble? I would greatly appreciate advice. My motivations for moving to a CC would be to save my parents a lot of money, and because it just does not feel worth being at a CSU over a CC. Its been very mentally troubling.
First of all, no one here can tell you what is best for your situation. Your parents are supportive in remaining where you are for the moment so I would stay put.
You cannot transfer to CSUDH as a Freshman applicant. You need to be Junior level with 60 semester units and the GE/major prep completed to transfer to another campus.
https://www.csudh.edu/future-students/transfer/admissions-requirements
Many CC’s are overcrowded and it can be difficult to get some classes which may delay your Undergrad education adding to additional costs.
The goal for the Cal states is in person learning for Fall 2021 so I would finish out the year and then reevaluate where you stand.
Best of luck.
I think that every family has to make their own financial decisions. Finances certainly are a big part of this one.
Are you in-state? The CSUs are in general a bargain for in-state students. Certainly if I were the parent and you were in-state at a CSU, I would consider it to be well worth the cost even for an on-line education. Even out of state the CSUs are still much more affordable compared to the various Universities of California. However, I do not know what your family’s finances are.
If your parents say that the cost is fine, then I would be inclined to believe them. The one thing that you can do for them is to keep ahead in your class work, and do as well as you reasonably can in your classes.
I am with your Mom, stay put and make the most of your experience. Switching to a CC at this point then another CSU will probably delay your graduation a semester or more. You are saving your parents a ton by not living in the dorm this year.