DaveA

RAY2070 - Your posts struck a cord with me. I have a son in the UC system and we have been paying out-of-state costs for 2.5 years. These costs are 2x what our in-state costs are and I can't see any evidence that his education is really any different from what he would receive back home. Your Step-Dad is simply trying to coach you as to the cost-benefit of what you are doing. Would you pay twice as much for an iPOD from California than you would pay for one in your home state? Sure the UC schools sound and look great, but it's the education you are paying for. I'd bet that he will be a lot more helpful and supportive if you would cut down the cost of your plan.

Don't do what I let happen. We hoped that student jobs and/or investments would help pay for this higher UC cost. Now he's a Junior and as his college fund is dry he needs to pack up and come home due to finances. It's much better to start with an instate school or JC and then transfer to the school of your dreams for Junior/Senior year than the other way around. A couple of years living at home and paying lower costs can really help with the finances!