What college is the best for me?

If money is an issue, what is the best college decision: Cal Sate or Community College then UC?

• I do not know what is the best choice in terms of college for me since money is the sole factor preventing me from making a definite decision. I want to go to a UC (UCLA or Berkeley) mainly because of the prestige and the type of students that attend these schools but it is too expensive. That is why I am considering going to community college and then transfer to one of these schools. However, my only fear is that I will not be accepted again into these schools when I try to transfer. I mean, if I don't get accepted I will end up at a Cal State which is what I can choose to go right now. I can afford a Cal State price for 4 years, which is the max I'll be there because I've taken classes at community college and I've passed many AP exams. The only problem with this is that I will not be surrounded with the type of students that typically go to UCLA or UC Berkeley and I feel like I'll be labeled "smart" or something. I do not know what to do. Either way, which ever college I choose (community and then UC or Cal State), I will live at home. Can you offer any advice? I do not qualify for any financial aid, subsidized interest on loans, or work study. My major will be civil engineering. I MIGHT go to grad school after getting my bachelor's, but I am not fully sure as of yet. If I choose a Cal State, it would be Cal State Long Beach.

• Answer:

  Personally I would go to community college and then I would transfer to a 4 year university. You could save a lot of money going to community college and use the money you didn’t spend on your “dream” UC or private school. Community college isn’t a bad route. I know a lot of people that went to CC first and then transferred to very prestigious schools (UC and private). If you stay motivated and on top of your grades, you’ll be accepted again. Keep in mind that Cal State schools aren’t bad. I know a lot of people are set on these prestigious schools but attending any accredited university and graduating is an accomplishment. And an even bigger accomplishment? Walking away from college debt free… which you might be able to do. Imagine how relieving that would be.