College student from Buffalo,Ny I want to move to San Diego

[Kelly.M]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

I want to clarify something - in terms of qualifying for financial aid, it really doesn't matter whether your parents do or do not claim you on their taxes. The only way students under 24 are not considered "dependent" for financial aid purposes is if they are married, have children, were in foster care, or are in the military. Again, the first link above will help you determine whether you'll be considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes.

Either way, you ARE eligible to apply for and receive need-based financial aid at all California public and private colleges. It's just a matter of whether your financial "need" as colleges see it will include your family's financial information.

In terms of being eligible for in-state *tuition* at public universities, which is totally different than being eligible for financial aid, in order to be considered a resident for tuition purposes, you:

1. Can't move to California simply to attend college
2. Must establish permanent residency for a full year before you apply and begin classes
3. Must not be receiving any financial support from your parents during that year

Again, it can be done, but if you move here and begin taking classes at a college before that "permanent residency" for one year status is completed, then you will have a tough time qualifying for in-state tuition at any public college (including two year community colleges).

My best advice to you is to go to each school's website, read the information about applying, use the net price calculator for each school to get an estimate of what you will be expected to pay out of pocket. If you have questions, don't hesitate to email the admissions office of each school (you can find the email address in the admissions section of the website). Admissions offices are GREAT about answering questions, and will always be the most reliable source of information.

Do also talk to your advisor at your 2-year school as most community colleges can help you figure out what you'll need to do to apply and transfer your credits.

Good luck!

Thanks so much you have been very helpful. And I will visit every school's website and look into my options

[Kelly.M]

Originally Posted by tatertothotbot

It's expensive as heck out here compared to buffalo. Parking downtown can cost about 200 a month and without a roommate a studio can range from 1500 to 1800. No Aldis out here so unless you shop at Walmart for groceries it gets pricey. It's hard without family too if you're used to seeing them more than once a month. Tons of homeless ppl live and sleep on the streets in the east village and downtown. It's wise to save up like you are. Car insurance may go up and car registration is pricier. Buffalo was rated he third most affordable city on Forbes website. Weather is great here but don't forget to consider the col. And taxes 

you may be right maybe its more wise to just finish school here

[RosieSD]

>>you may be right maybe its more wise to just finish school here<<

Yes, there's no rush. San Diego will be a lot more fun when you already have your four year degree and a good job out here. As you work towards your degree, another thing you might want to do is keep an eye on the types of jobs available within an hour or so of San Diego in computer science (you can do this on a job board like Monster).

Pay attention to what they're looking for in terms of skill sets and tailor your remaining classes accordingly. A couple of internships in computer science where you're currently located will also go a long way to landing more than just a grunt job after you graduate, both here in San Diego and elsewhere. While there are plenty of jobs for folks with computer science and electrical engineering degrees here in San Diego, there aren't too many for entry level folks who don't have at least some experience. And, San Diego's market for CompSci folks is nothing compared to the Bay Area/Silicon Valley (up near San Francisco) so you might want to also look at what the market is like for your skill set up there if California is your dream. However, nearly ALL of the well-paying, professional level jobs here in California in CompSci are really looking for folks with four year degrees.

A year and a half, even two years, isn't so long. Plan, finish your four year degree, do a few internships, get yourself set up for the best job possible, and then if San Diego is still your dream, go for it! Good luck!