Financial Aid at USC

ranganz
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:30:27 +0000

Unfortunately, all my grandparents (and all other relatives as well) live in India and are quite poor themselves.

Again, though, I am not a big fan of transfer since I desperately wish to be at one place all 4 years for the full college experience. I appreciate the suggestion, but I’m not sure if transferring will work for me.

Recently I have been looking at UCLA and UC Berkeley, since due to a possible tuition exemption I may be eligible for in-state tuition.

[UCLA Registrar’s Office: Residence for Tuition Purposes–Exemptions and Waivers](http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/residence/exempt.htm)

I may be eligible for the tuition exemption titled: Dependent child of a California resident, since my dad has lived in California for about 5 years, and he pays California taxes (and has my brother and I listed as dependents).

If I can get in-state tuition to UC Berkeley/UCLA, I can have a top-notch education in California at a super affordable price. That way, I can still fulfill my dream of coming to California.

I will definitely call the USC financial aid office and set up an appointment with them to discuss our issues. And if USC works out, then I will definitely go there over the other two (UCLA/UC Berkeley). But hey, if it doesnt then I still have great options.

Again, thanks for the support everyone. It is tough going through this terrible economy, but hey I’m not the only one. And I’m sure I (as well as everyone else) will become stronger people in the end. And this has definitely opened my eyes to the real world, and I know not to make the same financial mistakes in the future.