Can I go to my state school for a year as a part-time/non-matriculating student while working full-time and then apply to other schools for fall 2017 enrollment and start as a freshman in 2017? Or will I be considered a transfer student?
In most cases, college credit attempted or earned after high school graduation will cause you to be treated as a transfer student. However, each college’s rules can vary; some may allow up to a small number of post-high-school college credits before you become a transfer student to them. So check each college of interest on its policies.
^ This. For instance Penn State requires (I think) 30 credits before you’re considered a transfer. Since you are asking about a specific school it’s best to check directly with them.
It is good that you are asking this question…because if you are not considered a freshman then the financial aid could be very different. Look up schools of interest and see what they say. If you are not sure, then email their admissions office and ask.