If this is a need based award, you very likely will NOT receive it. The decision by CA NOT to award need based aid to OOS students is starting NOW. It is very possible that their NPC has not been updated well.
Where I’m at, grants are need based aid…and the UCs are no longer offering need based grant aid to OOS students.
In terms of deferring your acceptance…it will be very clear that you are deferring because you need instate tuition status to continue to attend. That will NOT support your stance of becoming a CA resident for other than educational purposes. What I mean is…you were accepted as an OOS student. Then you defer and put in a request for instate status? I don’t believe that will be supported.
You do have options. It sounds like you have a decent job in Texas. If Cal is to costly for you as an OOS student, perhaps rethink your application list and apply for fall of 2017 to places where you might have a chance at significant merit aid (like full tuition).
Cal is a wonderful college, it is. But a computer science degree from any other school will enable you to work in that field…just like a degree from Cal. Once you have your first job, and experience in the field, the college name on your diploma won’t matter to future employers.
ETA: one more thought…and it’s important. In terms of need based aid anywhere…it sounds like you have significant savings (you have said you can fund OOS costs for a semester, at least). Keep in mind that any money in your savings will be assessed at 20% for FAFSA EFC purposes. Even IF you get independent status for financial aid, your income and assets will likely preclude you from getting any federally funded need based aid other than the Direct Loan.