<prompt> Human: My current IT job is being outsourced and transitioning into an entirely different department. I was hoping to gain IT experience from this job so I could move up the ranks without putting myself in debt from college. That isnt looking like an option anymore and now I need to seriously consider my career path. I have two years of experience in IT-related jobs. Ive been living in a new state for about 5 years but considering looking at colleges in my home state if I can land a job and afford housing there. My family is not an option to live with. I do not have any major health issues. I do not have any debt. I own a used vehicle. I have a cat. At my current job, I make 20hour but theres no guarantee I can find a job thatll match this salary. I have no savings. I received average grades in high school, a GPA of 3.5-3.7 cant remember.Im considering a career as a Computer Forensic Analyst or a Forensic Science Analyst. I would also like to study a few languages. What do I need to know before attending college?Ive heard attending community college before a university is best, but what if the community college doesnt have the classes I need for my Bachelors?Will living in a new state for 5 years make attending college more expensive in my home state? Or am I still considered a native to my home state?If my financial situation changes, how does that play into financial aid?Do you have any advice for my career choice? Do you have suggestions for other career paths?Thank you for any advice you can give.  <response>: Native - the word youre looking for is resident. Each college will have criteria for receiving in-state or in-county tuition rates. You can look on the college websites. Right now, youre legally a resident of the state in which youre living. You can take your core requirements at community college and then transfer. Some school systems have specific agreements to make the transition seamless between county college and the state school. 