College Choices: UC Merced vs CSU Fresno for CS

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To begin I don’t know which one I should take.

I have the choice of going to UC Merced for Computer Science but I live closer to CSU Fresno and can commute from home.

If I were to go to CSU Fresno It would be fully covered but I hear its more just knowledge based while UC Merced would allow for me to get a more connections based education.

UC Merced would cost me roughly 10k including having to stay on campus and be an hour away from home.

I don’t know which one I should take to have a better chance in my choices because I’m taking Computer Science as my Major while minoring in Computer Engineering.

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Can you afford UC Merced?

Most kids want to go away to school - because college is about growth and maturation. That’s not everyone of course but that should be a goal. College isn’t just about academics.

All that said, you have to be able to afford college - like anything else in life - so if you can’t, if you have to take out large loans - of which I’d say $10K is - then your choice is made for you.

Good luck.

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Thank you for your response.

To begin with I think I might be able to work it off when I get there by getting a job. But I also don’t quite know how hard that would be with a job because I have never had a job and have only focused on school.

The only reason why it’s so cheap with room and board included is because I come from low income.

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There are jobs through school - some might be “study” jobs - sitting a desk, etc. And there’s summer jobs.

Balancing work and school can be tough - and you likely won’t make $10K.

You can get a small loan from the government, but not $10K.

The flipside is, going away to college is a fantastic opportunity but - not everyone can. How bad do you want it?

If so, hopefully you can figure out a way.

Best of luck to you.

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$10k would need both the federal direct loan and some work earnings.

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Based on finances, it sounds as though CSU Fresno is going to be your best option. It’s great that you’ll be able to attend and graduate debt-free, which is a HUGE benefit.

Congratulations on your acceptances and wishing you the best as you get ready to start college!

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