<p>It is important to take a hard look at the actual costs to be sure you do not commit to a school it turns out you cannot afford and lose opportunities at schools you CAN afford. Here is some information - I am not trying to be negative, just wanting to be sure you make a considered choice.</p>
<p>
Your parents’ calculations are off - are you sure they are fully aware of the relative costs?</p>
<p>USC tuition alone is $45,602. Room, board and associated expenses will be approximately $16,600 for a total of approximately $62,200. [USC</a> Financial Aid - Applying & Receiving Financial Aid - Undergraduate - Costs](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates2/costs.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates2/costs.html)</p>
<p>UC tuition and fees are $13,200. Room, board and associated expenses are approximately $18,000 for a total of approximately $31,000. [What</a> does UC cost? | UC Admissions](<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/paying-for-uc/cost/]What”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/paying-for-uc/cost/)</p>
<p>In other words, USC tuition alone is significantly more ($14,600+) than the TOTAL cost of a UC. The COA of USC is twice that of a UC.</p>
<p>Tuition and fees at CSULB are $6,240. Room, board and associated expenses are approximately $15,000 for a total of approximately $21,000. [CSU</a> LONG BEACH - 2012-13 Fee Rates | Fee Rates | Student Fees | Budget | CSU](<a href=“http://www.calstate.edu/budget/student-fees/fee-rates/longbeach.shtml]CSU”>http://www.calstate.edu/budget/student-fees/fee-rates/longbeach.shtml)</p>
<h2>In other words, USC tuition alone is twice the TOTAL of CSULB. The COA of USC is three times the COA of CSULB.</h2>
<p>RE: You covering room, board and associated expenses. You are eligible for a $5,500 Stafford loan - that’s it. How will you cover the other $11,000+? Will your parents cosign for you for additional loans?</p>
<p>Good luck</p>