The in-state tuition for a UC makes them a very attractive option.

Start with a 2 year community college, then transfer to the UC of her choice. I would imagine that an engineering degree from UC Berkeley or UCLA will take her places, and because you live here you qualify for the subsidized in-state tuition.

Go to ICanAffordCollege.com to see how the financial aid system works for California community colleges.

Does she have the grades/ability to go to CalTech?

There are some VERY good CA public schools.

Otherwise, have her look at GA Tech and Texas A&M.

(World of difference between what engineers from top programs start out at, vs. lesser programs - at least, there was.)

Under no circumstances should you pay for her school. Education needs to be a cold, hard business decision. Not a "But I love it decision."

Regardless, she needs to work through school. Even if you have 600 million in retirement. I've had some great kids work for me, and I've gotten them some great starts on their careers, off the letters of recommendation I could give them.

She needs to be able to get the same, not just from someone who knows her as an intern, but someone who knows her as an employee.

Thanks everyone for guidance and help.
This is our youngest. Looks like we got some exploring to do in this matter.

Thanks again.

Roy

Be careful. Nowadays colleges are a dangerous place. Acquire a huge debt. Come out dumber (more liberal) than when you went in. I hired a lot of people in my life . When someone had a "degree " in their resume that was great but sometimes it was a red flag too. Staunch liberals can be a real PITA as employees. I also relied on my gut feelings when interviewing people.

To start with, consider less expensive (but still competent) colleges--degrees from Ivy League schools aren't really required for most jobs. And your daughter should be expected to work part of the time while in school, or at least during the summers.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by sig77:
Student loans are the best thing my parents ever did for me. Once I knew I had to pay, I went to a more economical school choice and then took class very seriously. I now am doing quite well for myself and paid off my student loans in 5 years after I got out of school. Have her get loans and help her as you can afford to.

I'm going to agree with this.

Let her assume ALL the debt, all the student loans. Tell her you calculated your finances and reserves towards retirement, and you have a lot less than you anticipated, and thus, she has to pay for her schooling.

Sounds harsh and rude, as parents like to provide for their kids, but the quicker you kick them out of the nest, and into the real world, the quicker they can learn about the real world, and grow into more productive adults.

Also, if she has skin in the game (student loans), she is likely to make better decision on cost. Like picking a cheaper school to begin with.

Students are more successful, when they are not handed everything on a platter.