Is there anyone out there who is enrolled in a California University and is an out of state student? If so what is the deal with financial aid? People say aid for out of state students is almost non existent in California. I would just like to know from someone who has this experience first hand.
Try the Net Price Calculators for some of the some schools of interest. Not all California schools give little FA to OOs students, it is the public universities (UC’s and CSU’s) Most of the in-state students that receive FA from these schools is by way of the Cal Grant (only for in-state students) and the Blue and Gold Opportunity plan (only for in-state students). OOS students can get merit aid in the form of Regents Scholarships but you need to be the top 1% of applicants. You will always find exceptions to the rule but what is definitely guaranteed in regards to the UC’s and CSU’s, no FA will cover the OOS supplemental tuition of $24K/year for the UC’s or $7K/year for the CSU’s plus Room/Board. This amount will be the minimum you would pay up to full price.
Private universities in California e.g. USC do give aid to out of staters.