I love UC Santa Barbara, but I am an out of state student which means that my tuition is very expensive. As well, I did not receive any financial aid or scholarships from UCSB. I was greatly disappointed by this, as it now looks like it will be nearly impossible for me to even come close to affording an education there. I was offered a very generous academic scholarship to a different college in California, a private university, that covers all of my tuition. While I do really like the school where I have the scholarships, if I could afford to attend UCSB, I would go there. Is there any way to adjust the rigidity of the cost of attending UC Santa Barbara, or should I stop getting my hopes up and stick to my other options?
*Note: I am drawn to UCSB mainly because of their strength in my major and the beautiful campus.
It is very beautiful, but the UC system can’t afford to subsidize tuition for OOS families. If California is your dream, I’m glad you have a generous offer from a private university
UCs don’t really give aid to OOS students. It’s great you have a choice you like, and with free tuition! Embrace that. Go, work hard, have fun, take advantage of opportunities, make opportunities, treat everyone with dignity and respect. You’ll do great and love your school. You’ll be able to do what you want in the future, and without debt, or significant debt.
All UC’s give little to no financial aid to OOS students and they are not willing to negotiate. UC’s are public universities funded by California residents so only California residents that are eligible for financial aid will receive a decent amount of FA. OOS students unfortunately are seen as “cash cows”. If you had run the Net Price calculator on the UCSB website, you would have found out about the FA situation prior to applying. No amount of wishing will make UCSB affordable unless your family is willing to pay full fees.
If you have affordable options, definitely consider them.
If I was OOS I would move to California for a year, become a resident, go to community college for an Associates Degree and then transfer to UCSB.
If you are under 24 years of age and still a dependent, where your family resides is where your residency will be considered. Coming to CA and living here a year, will not make you a CA resident eligible for in-state tuition. You would need to be completely independent of your family financially. You would have a get a job, housing, CA drivers license and show that you can pay for everything yourself.
If your family is willing to move to CA, live here a year and then you attend community college and transfer to UCSB after 3 years, then you can make it work.
[quoteIf I was OOS I would move to California for a year, become a resident, go to community college for an Associates Degree and then transfer to UCSB.
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Coming to California for educational purposes means you pay full fees for 4 years, whether or not you start at a CCC and live in California for a year. That HS transcript is a BIG red flag that you will be supporting the state of California for 4 years.
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UC’s only accept junior level transfers.
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The UC’s have a residency determination office. Which means they know all of the tricks.
https://www.ucop.edu/residency/residency-requirements.html
It is VERY difficult, if not IMPOSSIBLE to try to gain California residency.
Students would need to be working in California for 2 years, prior to the date they want to enter the university.
Students would have to work and pay high California State taxes, without going to school, and then match their budget sheets with their W2 forms and state taxes, paying market rental rates.
No help from relatives nor friends. Parents would not be able to use you as a deduction.
If it aint on the W2 and 540 forms, and you aren’t paying market rental rates, you aint getting residency.
Don’t get too hung up on one school. A college is just a brand name tool used to gain education and job skills. It’s no more a dream than owning a Chevy. I would rather take more pride in my career than my car. If you have a tuition scholarship, you’re in great shape.
No financial aid is provided to OOS students
“If I was OOS I would move to California for a year, become a resident, go to community college for an Associates Degree and then transfer to UCSB”
nope- wont work.
OP- go to the Calif college that gave you merit $$. And rejoice!
Most dreams have to die eventually. Its time to face that reality.