<p>A couple of things in ticklemepink’s post weren’t accurate. First, the Democrats control the legislature in California–not that it makes a difference, who controls the legislature doesn’t change the fact that the state has budget issues. Secondly, as someone noted above, you won’t necessarily be exempt from paying taxes. Actually, as a US citizen you’ll probably have to pay the same as everyone else, even though you haven’t lived here. See here: [Foreign</a> Students and Scholars](<a href=“http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96431,00.html]Foreign”>http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96431,00.html) . Otherwise, I think a lot of the “bad economy” stuff is above your concern as a student, particularly as you’re only seeking a master’s degree. The only thing I think you’ll notice in that respect is a decrease in scholarship funding/potential decrease in how many people they accept. I know that’s not a small thing, but I also don’t think we need to liken California’s economic situation to Somalia.</p>