But since you’re not asking about that…
Pick the states or universities you are interested in first. California is NOT EASY to get residency in because it heavily subsidizes its public universities (making it cheap/free to residents). It will take you at least 3 years and involves complex tax stuff (it might be a little easier for CCs-?). It is also a ridiculously expensive state to live in. However, the UCs are awesome and very affordable to residents. Are either of your parents a resident of any state?
If you look into it, you could probably take your SATs somewhere in Vancouver. If not, just hop down across the border and take them in WA. They are required for most universities here, so you should make an effort to take them.
The cheapest states/cities to live in are in middle-America, i.e. the Midwest and South. The coasts are the most expensive, but it seems that is where you most want to be, other than Texas. I know nothing about Texas. Every city over 100,000 people has a community college and every state has a public university that is fairly cheap to state residents.
So basically it seems your options are Seattle, Portland, and Texas, unless you want to try other smaller cities (Olympia, WA, Eugene or Salem, OR) or wait a while to get California residency. Seattle and Portland have great public transportation, decent community colleges, and good state universities. Again, I know nothing about Texas. Most state universities have agreements with their local CCs to make transferring easy… and you could get state residency while attending CC. You would have to look into specifics for each place regarding tuition and living expenses. Very, very generally, CCs usually cost between $2,500-$5,000 per year for tuition and fees only. In-state tuition at a university is usually $6,000- $10,000 per year for tuition and fees. Out of state tuition and fees at a public university are around $12,000- $20,000 per year. Private colleges are anywhere from $20,000- $45,000 for yearly tuition and fees. Room and board is extra and sometimes mandatory.
If you only took one semester at VIU, you may still be considered a freshman at some universities. Other places, like CCs, won’t really care if you don’t want to declare that you have completed previous course work, especially internationally because that is just a headache for them to transfer in. But some colleges may want you to apply as a transfer student and send a transcript from VIU. If you didn’t get awful grades, it would help to get a head-start in terms of college credits and intro courses… I, personally, would transfer those courses in- all it takes is VIU sending them your transcript. Tuition is the same for freshman or transfer students, so I don’t know why you’re worried about that.
You can qualify for federal financial aid, at least for subsidized Stafford loans. File a FAFSA no matter what.
Whether or not student loans are worth it, most colleges assume you will take out the maximum amount of subsidized Stafford loans allowable ($3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomore, $5,500 for juniors and seniors). If you choose not to take them out, then you will have to pay that much more out-of-pocket. Once you are an independent student (over 24), the maximum amounts increase, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Yes, I think you’re crazy. Stay in Canada and save your money. You can always come to the US later to work.