Don't know much biology

[cyrano]

So initially I was going to ask "UCSJ or U Santa Clara" but since I am the stupid, I searched for UC Santa Cruz and wow that looks attractive too. So, compare and contrast, students, considering that I'm probably looking at continuing either my History studies or my Political Science studies, or both. I'm leery of Santa Clara because it's not in the UC system and thus probably more expensive.

EDIT: Except of course that there is no such thing as UCSJ and it's SJSU which is still a public school just not necessarily in the UC system and thus possibly an intermediate class of expensive.

Comments

[silkiemom.livejournal.com]

For people considering college and costs, I recommend looking into tax information like the Lifetime Learning Credits.

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96273,00.html#QA9

Up to 20% of qualified educational expenses may qualify for a tax credit, up to $2000. I believe you need to have income to benefit from the tax credit, so this might be good for part time students, or at least for a year in which you have a job before going to school full time.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

I will keep this in mind, although I don't think I've had a year where I've collected enough deduction to make itemizing worth while.

[silkiemom.livejournal.com]

This is a tax credit, not a deduction. This reduces the amount of Federal Income tax you owe.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Ooo! Even better! (: Now I just have to check into what 'qualifies'.

[spenceraloysius.livejournal.com]

I've claimed the Lifetime Learning Credit before. You have to spend at least $10,000 to get the $2000 credit. Everything below $10,000 is 20%. Driving to school is not going to be a qualified expense. :( Qualified expenses are books, tuition, school fees and health insurance (if you carry the school's policy for students rather than one from work or have independent coverage). Parking permit costs won't count unless the credit has changed. If you want to know anything about it, just ask.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Excellent. Thanks for the information.