Difference between UC and CSU???

linoch · 05-09-2010, 03:14 PM

People have been telling me that the difference between UC's and CSU's is that UC schools prepare students to go to graduate school and prepare them to be theoretical professors while CSU schools prepare students for a career...... So does that mean every single UC student end up going to graduate school and become professors while CSU students get more jobs than any UC students right after college????? It seems like it is not true at all because I have seen Cal Poly Pomona engineering student going to MIT for graduate school..... Can a UC student have a career after they graduate??? Could anyone explain the REAL difference between UC and CSU???? People have been telling me confusing answers whenever I post questions about this....

UCLA Band Mom · 05-09-2010, 04:32 PM

Originally, the UC's were the only institutions allowed to grant doctorates. That hasn't been the case since the 1970's, but only for several select majors (like Education). The UC charter requires offers of admission to all qualified students who are in the top 12 1/2 % statewide, and who complete all required classes and admissions tests. The CSU's take the top 25%. There is a lot of overlap in these groups, and the more established CSU's like San Diego and Cal Poly SLO offer a cheaper but just as good alternative to some of the less established UC's. The CSU's have a lot of proud alumni, and their graduates get a lot of respect here in California. Where I live in San Diego, nearly everybody on the County Board of Supervisors, in Congress and in City Hall is an SDSU graduate. UC San Diego doesn't even come close. Also, there are big time sports programs at schools like Fresno State and San Diego State, which aren't offered at the nearby UC's, so that is an added attraction to students.

Go where you think you will fit in best and be happiest.

linoch · 05-09-2010, 04:44 PM

Oh, thanks UCLA Band Mom. I guess it doesn't really matter what college you go to. I was kind of stuck in between Cal Poly engineering and UC Riverside engineering. I know that Cal Poly offer a great engineering program but UCR engineering is not bad from what I heard. So I decided to go to UCR for engineering since I liked the environment and I thought I can be happy there. Thanks!

TRUFFLIEPUFF · 05-09-2010, 04:47 PM

CSU is definitely cheaper. However, it doesn't gain as much respect when apply for jobs in big companies as UC does. UC has some of the most prestigious public schools in the nation (UCB, UCLA, UCSd, USC) and the degree is definitely worth more there than CSU. IMO, CSU is more community-focused and limited while UC is more versatile all across the state and nation. But it depends on your major and if you will be happy there or not in the end.

Redroses · 05-09-2010, 05:04 PM

These days some CSUs are more ighly regarded than some UCs. Caly Poly SLO would definitely be my choice over UCR engineering. Where you go to college does matter in the job market.

linoch · 05-09-2010, 05:14 PM

^ oh I wasn't talking about Cal Poly SLO. I was talking about Cal Poly Pomona. srry =( I should've specify that. Anyways.... I know Cal Poly Pomona's engineering program is like top 15 in the nation, but im still choosing UCR engineering anyways because of their program.
People who say UCR engineering sucks clearly don't know any facts about UCR engineering. Just saying.

Redroses · 05-09-2010, 06:11 PM

CPP is not top in the nation, you're looking at a regional list. UCR compares favorably.