<p>Hello CC,
As far as plans go, I'm applying to UC's but not sure if I'm going to make it. In the case that I do not, is it better to go to a CC and transfer or just go to CSU? Also, if I decide to go to CC, is it possible to go to one out of my city? I currently live in Sacramento and if I were to go to one say in San Diego would it be much more expensive? Would that defeat the purpose? I need to get out of this area (& my parents want the same) so any suggestions? I feel like if I went to a CSU I'll have doubts of not being able to go to a UC.</p>
<p>You can go to any Community College in the country but as you get away from the local one it progressively gets more expensive. Most have a rate for local students, then one for in-state, then a rate for out of state. You could go to any of them, but you will have more expenses and higher tuition once you get away from home. In most cases, the in-state can be as high as 50 percent higher and out of state more than double the in-state. </p>
<p>You should also check out the following website - It lists CCs with dorms:
<a href=“List of community colleges in the United States with campus housing - Wikipedia”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_community_colleges_with_campus_housing</a></p>
<p>In Calif, there are often local ‘feeder’ CC’s for certain UC’s that might have prereqs for certain majors that you might not find elsewhere. So that is one thing to look at when picking a CC. But a lot of the cost savings from going to CC is usually not having to pay living expenses, as well as the lower tuition. The living expenses will make going to a CC an expensive route. I’d probably just include some CSUs in my applications so you will have choices. I think if you are so unlikely to get into a UC you might just go to a CSU. If you are a really outstanding student then you may have a shot at transferring. And if you are not a really outstanding student you will be more on track to graduate, likely not getting shut out of classes at a CC and paying rent to go a year or more extra. San Diego City College estimates COA at 18.000 per year.</p>
<p>I don’t know if any of the info about this UCLA tap program is helpful
<a href=“http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/adm_CCO/tap.htm”>http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/adm_CCO/tap.htm</a></p>
<p>California CCs are about $3,000 to $3,500 per year in tuition and books.</p>
<p>Living at home with parents costs a few thousand in food, utilities, commuting costs, etc., although many parents willingly subsidize that, just as they cover your costs as a high school student. Going to a non-local CC would entail larger costs of living on your own, probably between $10,000 and $16,000, depending on the area (similar to the living expenses at a non-local UC or CSU).</p>
<p>Check <a href=“http://www.assist.org”>http://www.assist.org</a> to see how good your local CCs’ coverage of prerequisites for your major at your desired UCs and CSUs are. CCs often have better coverage for prerequisites at local UCs and CSUs (e.g. Sacramento City College may have better coverage than many other CCs of courses at UC Davis and CSU Sacramento).</p>
<p>Also since CCs don’t have dorms (often) you will have the upfront expense of furnishing an apartment. Unless you manage to rent a furnished room somewhere.</p>