Any advice on finding affordable colleges in California?

I'm a junior starting to look at colleges in California, but I need to keep costs down. What are some affordable options that still offer a good education? Any tips for finding scholarships specific to California schools?

Certainly, you're on the right track considering affordability alongside the quality of education, as it's a critical aspect of your college search. In California, the public university systems, which include the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU), offer affordable and high-quality education. Some well-regarded options include UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to name a few.

The UC and CSU systems operate on a sliding scale of affordability based on family income. For instance, UC schools offer the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, where students from families earning less than $80,000 per year will have their tuition fully covered by scholarships and grants. Also, keep in mind that both the UC and CSU system have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants.

For scholarships specific to California schools, start by using the financial aid search tools provided by the institutions themselves as these often include both need-based and merit-based scholarships. UCs and Cal States both offer a variety of scholarships to students. The Middle Class Scholarship Program, for instance, specifically targets California residents attending either UCs or Cal States whose family incomes and assets are under $217,000 - and can cover up to 40% of mandatory system-wide tuition and fees.

Remember to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for federal and state need-based aid. The Cal Grant program, funded by the state of California, offers significant aid based on financial need, GPA, and the type of California schools you're attending.

Finally, look for local scholarships in your area. Often businesses, community organizations, and foundations offer scholarships for local students. Usually, these are less competitive because they are only open to residents of a certain area.

In the end, while the cost is definitely a pertinent factor, it shouldn't be the sole deciding point, so make sure you also take into account fit, academic programs, and social aspects when finalizing your list. Best of luck!