Teen looking to move to L.A. area for college/after college (Los Angeles: credit, how much)

[fromTX]

I am a 16 year old junior in H.S. that plans on possibly relocating to the Los Angeles area for my first 2 years of college, or after college.

After visiting L.A. for the first time, i fell in love with the weather, geographical location, and the people. And yes, I was already aware that it was not anything like you'd see on TV.

I have been doing research on colleges/universities in Los Angeles.


In your opinion, what colleges have the most affordable out-of-state tuition and which colleges have the best value? I am fine being in one of the surrounding areas of LA. My parents will be paying my tuition, i am just wondering where i could get the best value.

I honestly feel like this is a realistic goal.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by fromTX

I am a 16 year old junior in H.S. that plans on possibly relocating to the Los Angeles area for my first 2 years of college, or after college.

After visiting L.A. for the first time, i fell in love with the weather, geographical location, and the people. And yes, I was already aware that it was not anything like you'd see on TV.

I have been doing research on colleges/universities in Los Angeles.


In your opinion, what colleges have the most affordable out-of-state tuition and which colleges have the best value? I am fine being in one of the surrounding areas of LA. My parents will be paying my tuition, i am just wondering where i could get the best value.

I honestly feel like this is a realistic goal.

you can almost go to a private university for the cost of a public one when you add Out of State tuition. Your best bet is to google the University system in California for prices. Is there any chance you will get a parial scholarship? both of our granddaughters were able to offset the out of state tuitions (not Ca) with scholarhips. They graduated from highschool in TX, one went to Co State University and the other AR>

Nita

[uptown_urbanist]

There's no easy answer, as your final cost of school will be impacted by level of financial aid, scholarships, etc. Does your high school have someone on staff - guidance counselor or anyone else - who can help point you in the right direction? You say your parents are paying for your tuition, but you'll still want to at least look into other forms of scholarships/aid.

In general, at this point - given that you're only 16 - it sounds like your best bet is to start by researching all colleges in the LA area, then figure out which ones fit your personal interests and needs best. Best value is going to depend in part on your goals. UCLA and USC are obviously big names, but there are many others out there, too (Occidental, Loyola Marymount, etc.). Am I reading that right that you only want to go two years in LA? In that case, think about the community college route. And realize that you'll need to be very on top of things because depending on where you go next your credits won't necessarily all transfer. I'd consider just planning on the full 4 years in LA or else wait to move here post-graduation, rather than planning from the start to do two years then move on.

[fromTX]

Thank you for the helpful information. My parents and I have been researching schools in the University system in California, as well as the California State system.

We will be applying for scholarships and financial aid as well.

USC and UCLA are obviously great schools, which have very low acceptance rates.

Aside from what is covered with tuition, how much money would be needed to survive month-to-month in Los Angeles? I plan to live in on-campus housing, depending on what school I attend.

I don't want to put a burden on my parents, even though i'm sure we can find a way to afford it.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by fromTX

relocating to the Los Angeles area for my first 2 years of college

what colleges have the most affordable out-of-state tuition and which colleges have the best value?

Would it be cheaper to attend a community college for the first two years versus a university?

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by fromTX

I am a 16 year old junior in H.S. that plans on possibly relocating to the Los Angeles area for my first 2 years of college, or after college.

After visiting L.A. for the first time, i fell in love with the weather, geographical location, and the people. And yes, I was already aware that it was not anything like you'd see on TV.

I have been doing research on colleges/universities in Los Angeles.


In your opinion, what colleges have the most affordable out-of-state tuition and which colleges have the best value? I am fine being in one of the surrounding areas of LA. My parents will be paying my tuition, i am just wondering where i could get the best value.

I honestly feel like this is a realistic goal.

You have to understand that when you are in college you won't have time to go out and experience the city. You should speak with your college counselers and find out where the best school is for you. That might be in Boston, it might be in rural Ohio, or it might be in Los Angeles, but figure out what you want to do, then what school you can realistically get in, and then you can plan from there. Focus on the present.

[fromTX]

Originally Posted by US-Traveller

You have to understand that when you are in college you won't have time to go out and experience the city. You should speak with your college counselers and find out where the best school is for you. That might be in Boston, it might be in rural Ohio, or it might be in Los Angeles, but figure out what you want to do, then what school you can realistically get in, and then you can plan from there. Focus on the present.

Who said anything about going out and experience the city? I asked about colleges.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by fromTX

Who said anything about going out and experience the city? I asked about colleges.

good for you. No matter what you are trying to achieve in college you will be able to do that in California.

Stick with your plan, but do look at assistance if you qualify..

Nita

[kudos77]

If the money is not the issue, I would go to USC and live in the area. If I had to start things over, I'd definitely love to be a Trojan vs. Bruin. I think UCLA is over rated!! Don't get me wrong, UCLA us a great school also!That said, go to USC, if not go to SMC for 2 years and transfer to USC or UCLA.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by kudos77

If the money is not the issue, I would go to USC and live in the area. If I had to start things over, I'd definitely love to be a Trojan vs. Bruin. I think UCLA is over rated!! Don't get me wrong, UCLA us a great school also!That said, go to USC, if not go to SMC for 2 years and transfer to USC or UCLA.

and they have great football teams. Sorry, I couldn't resist, I happen to be a huge Trojan fan.

Nita