<p>The quality of state universities depends on the state (i.e. some state universities are places with a strong commitment to academics, while others are “party schools” – though there will likely be at least a small “party subculture” at even the top universities).</p>
<p>But also, if you are not really sure what you want to study, consider going to community college, where costs are lower and there is less pressure to declare a major after two years. Then, when you have decided what you want to study, you can take the freshman / sophomore level courses at the community college and transfer as a junior to a bachelor’s degree granting college or university.</p>
<p>If you do decide to go directly to a four year college or university (perhaps because you have a better idea of what you want to study then, and/or will go in with advanced standing), note that some are very generous with financial aid. For example, [Harvard</a> expects no parental contribution from families with incomes below $60,000, and limited parental contribution from families with incomes below $180,000](<a href=“http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/financial_aid/hfai/index.html]Harvard”>http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/financial_aid/hfai/index.html) and [eliminates</a> student loans](<a href=“http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/financial_aid/faq.html#1]eliminates”>http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/financial_aid/faq.html#1). The [University</a> of California](<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/paying-for-uc/financial-aid/grants/blue-gold/index.html]University”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/paying-for-uc/financial-aid/grants/blue-gold/index.html) has a similar program for in-state students to cover in-state fees.</p>
<p>In other words, the actual cost is really the net cost after subtracting non-loan financial aid from the “list price”.</p>