<p>To start: I often see the statement that “because of budget cuts, it takes 5 years to graduate from a CSU…” but I have never seen any statistics to back that up. With attention to planning, the flexibility of getting cc units during the summer, and regular visits with your advisor, you could graduate in 4 years at CSULB.</p>
<p>Next: You are RIGHT, $100,000 in debt would be an awful, terrible burden. You are clearly very smart and sensible.</p>
<p>USC does have an articulation history with CSULB <a href=“https://camel2.usc.edu/articagrmt/artic_history.aspx[/url]”>Error; . You could do two years there - carefully considering the articulation history - and transfer to USC. That would save as much as $40,000 per year for two years = $80,000. If you discovered you loved CSULB, you could just not transfer and finish there, saving $160,000.</p>
<p>Another note: I recall that someone said they were admitted to art but preferred animation - was that you? If so, chose the school that admitted you to the course of study you WANT to study!!!</p>
<p>Good luck, and keep us updated on what you decide to do. It is clear that you are someone who is going to make the most of every opportunity and make great choices.</p>