<p>OK, so I'm sure it is completely de clase to talk about a CSU on these boards (oh the horror!), but I'll admit I have been thinking about going to a CSU mainly because they offer a major (bachelor of social work) that no UC does. I have a 4.0, mind you, so I feel I could get into Berkeley (where I really want to go), but a BSW would shave a year off of grad school for me, which would be cool.</p>
<p>Anyhow: Since I am a poor student, does anyone know what financial aid at CSUs is like? Is it as good as at UCs? Do they have on-campus housing? Does the social and academic life totally suck when compared to UCs?</p>
<p>I'll probably still go to Berk if I get in, but just want to entertain the idea of a getting a Bachelor of Social Work. Thanks for the input, guys!</p>
<p>Berkeley has a Social Welfare program, which is one of the best from what I hear. I know it's not social work, but it's something to think about.</p>
<p>depends, social life could be better. (sdsu > ucsd for example)</p>
<p>wouldn't you just be better off going to a UC to prep for grad school while doing an internship in social work?</p>
<p>First of all, I think Berkeley might have something for you, the Social Welfare major in L&S:
L&S</a> Major - Social Welfare</p>
<p>To answer your other questions about CSU, I think it depends on the school. I applied to SDSU, which does have on-campus housing and probably has a better social life than UCB (#1 party school), but is probably not as rigorous academically. </p>
<p>SDSU is a much cheaper school, so relatively, I was given the same amount of financial aid, but no scholarships/grants at all. SDSU offered me both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, both small. UCB has only offered me unsubsidized loans, but did give me a small undergrad scholarship and fees grant. I am not a "poor" student yet (independent, high personal EFC because I have a good salary right now), so my situation might be different than yours. I've heard that UCB has fairly poor financial aid for pretty much anyone, but I don't know how true that is. Obviously, 34000 students somehow manage to pay for it and the high cost of living in the Bay Area, and we can't assume all of them have rich parents or loads of savings. </p>
<p>I recommend researching the CSUs that you are interested in, all of them should have websites that list information such as housing, campus life, etc. Some will mainly be commuter schools, such as San Jose State, others will have more dynamic on-campus life, such as SDSU. Remember that if you choose a CSU over Berkeley or another UC, it is not a terrible thing. Like you say, a CSU might offer a major that fits your goals better, and it definitely is cheaper, which would leave more money for grad school. I would also look into the Cal Polys, since those are good schools academically, and fairly well known (at least Cal Poly SLO is).</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, for the replies. The social welfare major is really good from what I hear, but it IS different than a Bachelor of Social Work (the BSW is the only degree that can shave a year off of the Master of Social Work), which is why I was interested in it and the CSUs that offer it.</p>
<p>Anyhow, thanks for the input. I hear the Social Welfare major is REALLY competitive to get into, but I've had a hard time finding info on it.</p>
<p>Actually, if you think about it, going to CSU for a major in Social Work might be more advantageous because of the cost savings. It might leave you with more wiggle room, financially, to actually do the work that you want to do, and not have to be paid quite a bit to do it. But with your high grades, you should still apply to Berkeley for the Social Welfare major. Keep that 4.0 and you might be offered a Regents scholarship.</p>
<p>Hmmm... well, the UCs all give really good aid if you are poor (like i am). My sister got really good aid when she applied (I'm talking institutional grants, not just Fafsa). If the CSUs don't give much institutional aid and just Fafsa, then it may actually end up being CHEAPER to go to a UC, since they can give aid on top of the Fafsa... Or do the CSUs also give aid beyond Fafsa?</p>
<p>I don't know, they might. I didn't get any from SDSU, but I figured that was because I hadn't applied for any of their scholarships, and also I make quite a bit of money right now. I think the only way you'll know for sure is to apply for the schools you want, see what they give you, and then compare the offers. Be aware that you can apply for some scholarships offered by each school even before being accepted.</p>
<p>Ok, cool. Thanks a lot for the info! If anyone else has any info, I'd appreciate your input, I'm just asking because I'm worried that Fafsa alone won't be enough for me to cover expenses, but I will definitely look at the CSUs more seriously.</p>