A few days ago
Anonymous

Should I go to UCI instead of College of San Mateo even though I’ll save $36,000 1st 2 years? Please help, TIA

My sister got enrolled into Irvine, but my mom won’t let her and my dad isn’t completely ok with her going to Irvine. They think it’s pretty much a waste of money to go to Irvine. Is it worth roughly 36,000 more to go to Irvine and get a student loan while hindering my chances of affording college?

Top 3 Answers
A few days ago
Linkin

Favorite Answer

I think they got the $36,000 by taking the roughly $10,000 cost of on campus housing and the $8,000 tuition. They assume San Mateo CC costs nothing (doesn’t cost much really so I guess it’s ok).

While UCI is respected, it’s not UCLA or Berkeley. If she aces her classes at CC, she’s got a shot at Berkeley or UCLA. Might be worth the risk.

Conversely, how were her grades in high school? It is a risk b/c if she doesn’t do EXTREMELY well, she might not get the grades easily. It’s pretty hard to stay focused at a CC. The kids just don’t try very hard. Just take a look at the % of students who go on to a 4yr college. They’re not high. Very easy to get distracted.

If she’s not super dedicated enough to get into Berkeley in the first place, she might get distracted and not do well enough at the CC. Same risk at UCI, but at least she will be graduating from a school with a pretty good rep.

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A few days ago
embroidery fan
Go to the community college near you & save the money for later. I’m finding that’s a better idea. Four-year colleges are accepting General Ed requirements from 2-yr colleges, & they know the student is motivated, so they’re more likely to take you.
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A few days ago
SJK
wow, are you a non california resident? UCI shouldnt cost that much.. i would just go with ur heart and where youll get a better education and where youll be happier… i bet you wouldnt wana be at a college you hated for 4 years and not be able to study. youi shoudl should the right one even if itll mean more debt.
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