<p>Some state colleges, for example, San Diego State U have a sticker price of $37k (OOS).
BigFuture says that the average aid received is $9k. Where does that figure come from? Is that only including in-state? Does it only include institutional aid? </p>
<p>Another example, SJSU - $35k, with average aid of $18k! Where did that 18k come from?</p>
<p>A private college example - $61k, with an average of $35k aid.</p>
<p>I’m a US Citizen, and since I’m currently living in India, I technically don’t have a state of residence, though I’m still filing for CA taxes. </p>
<p>If you are OOS for CA, do NOT expect any aid to cover the differential between OOS and instate tuition costs. At a UC, this is about $23,000 a year.</p>
<p>The need based aid provided at most CA public universities is a combination of the Calgrant (if eligible) and federally funded need based aid.</p>
<p>You are not eligible for the Calgrant. </p>
<p>Federally funded aid would be limited to the Pell Grant (for low income students with a FAFSA EFC of less than $5000), and the Direct Loans. Some low income students also receive Perkins Loans or work study.</p>
<p>Your need based aid will be based on your parents’ incomes and assets.</p>
<p>The aid to Calif publics is largely from Cal Grants…and that’s for Calif residents only. So, those numbers you’re seeing are largely for those receiving Cal Grants. </p>
<p>The CSUs don’t have much institutional aid to give.</p>
<p>The UCs do have some institutional aid, but they often target their instate students to help them meet need. Remember, the purpose of Calif publics is to educate Calif residents. </p>
<p>You can’t look at what privates do.</p>
<p>As for any school’s published “average aid”…that means NOTHING to you. First of all, every student doesn’t get aid. Secondly, the average is based on a RANGE of awards…from a tiny amount to a larger amount. </p>
<p>So, don’t be looking at “average aid” and think…“hmmm, I can expect to get that amount”. you may get nothing, you may get a tiny amount. </p>
<p>At UCs, you will have to pay AT LEAST your EFC plus $23,000 per year. So, if your EFC is $10k, then you’ll have to pay AT LEAST $33k per year (maybe more). </p>
<p>I don’t know where you’re seeing that the average aid at UC’s is $30k…</p>
<p>At UC Davis…this is the avg aid pkg (consisting of grants, loans, workstudy, etc)</p>
<p>$21,420
Average 1st year financial aid package
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Every student’s financial aid package varies depending on individual circumstances.</p>
<p>Average aid is meaningless for YOU. Do not give average aid another thought. Aid for you might be zero, so what the average is doesn’t matter, does it? Use the Net Price Calculator on each college website to get an estimate of what the college will cost you.</p>
<p>I’m not a tax expert here…so I hope one will chime in.</p>
<p>U.S citizens overseas are required to fill out federal income tax forms. BUT I’m not sure about state forms.</p>
<p>Plus if YOU are the student, do you have income in India that would necessitate completing income tax forms?</p>
<p>Any need based aid will be based on you PARENTS’ incomes and assets primarily. The Cal States and UCs do NOT guarantee any kinds of aid for OOS students beyond the Direct Loan which anyone who completes a FAFSA can receive. That is a $5500 amount for freshman year.</p>
<p>The student says he and his family reside in India. </p>
<p>Back to the OP…your parents’ incomes…THAT is the data point that is most significant when commuting need based aid.</p>
<p>And as mentioned above…the aid you are seeing in that average aid includes the Calgrants. If you don’t reside in CA now, you do not qualify for this.</p>
<p>OOS students can expect to AT LEAST pay the differential between OOS and IN state rates. That is the minimum. The CA public universities do NOT meet full need for all.</p>
<p>P.S. I have no idea what “Big Future” is…but whatever it is, it can NOT be as accurate as the Net Price Calculators on each college website. Use THOSE.</p>
<p>OP, you have a number of threads going on various colleges. In all, you indicate that you are in need of financial aid (although you don’t mention HOW you came to,that conclusion). NONE of the colleges you are talking about meet full need. You are OOS for all of the publics,mand the privates are expensive. </p>
<p>What CAN your family Pay annually towards your college costs?</p>