Thank you very much everyone for the great suggestions !
For UC’s - yes, understand that top UCs might be tough while UCR, UCSC, UCM could be more closer, that’s why trying to see if any OoS good school can be better option provided it fits the budget.
Some options in this I’m looking at : U Pitt, UIUC, UC boulder, UW
Yes - planning for SDSU, CalPolySlo
Will look into any liberal arts / private schools with possibility of merit aid for my stats.
Would occidental / pitzer work in such case ?
Need to look more for collages from ‘collages that change lives’ list
thanks again for great suggestions …