<p>I'm planning to attend Cal State Fullerton, and I also plan on dorming there in an apartment. My parents make very low income (Under $20k/year). If I get the full Cal Grant + Pell Grant, will it be able to pay for my tuition and room and board? :/</p>
<p>No. The Cal Grant covers tuition only, and the $5,500 Pell Grant is $3,200 less than the cost of the cheapest dorm/meal plan at Fullerton.</p>
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<p>You could borrow the difference with a small Stafford Loan each year. That is money you will have to pay back when you graduate, but it is a reasonable amount - $12,800 total for four years.</p>
<p>Edit: I see from other posts of yours that you live in Orange County. You should consider commuting from home - that would save a significant amount of money and would allow you to graduate from college debt-free.</p>
<p>You should also consider going to Fullerton JC, which is an outstanding community college with a wide variety of programs and courses. Their music program is one of the few whose classes Berkeley School of Music will accept as transfer classes. You could attend a community college for two years and then transfer to Cal State Fullerton. One of my sons attended Fullerton JC and was very happy with the education he received there. Good Luck to you!</p>
<p>As Polarscribe mentions, with a Stafford loan you should have your direct school costs covered.</p>
<p>However, since there will be incidental costs, text book purchases, and purchases for your dorm, you should get a summer job to cover those costs. Also, if you’re offered work-study, those earnings can cover your “day to day” expenses while in college. If you’re not offered work-study, then get a part-time job during the school year to provide you with pocket money and funds to come home for holidays and such.</p>
<p>apartment</p>
<p>You need to check prices. I don’t think you’ll be able to afford an off-campus apartment. Those will need to be rented for 12 months and will also have utility costs. Plus many are unfurnished. I’m from that area, and the rents are HIGH. An on-campus dorm will likely be your affordable choice.</p>