DrGoogle, UCLA and UCSD are not what many call “most” state schools.
Those are fantastic state schools and not a good depiction of most “state universities” in the US.
Same goes with U of Washington CS (as it is regarded as one of the best and its proximity to Microsoft only helps this)
And with San Jose State… the proximity once again.
Yes, there are many good state universities for CS like UIUC, UCB, UWash, etc. etc.
However, if you are an OOS, these state schools for most people cost more than attending a top private.
Not everyone has UCB in their front yard. I know my in-state doesn’t.
In addition, if you live in places like Alabama, chances are, it is financially better for you to attend a top private (due to their generous financial packages) than a top public.
Anyways, pick a school that is respectable in the program and as an overall for undergrad. Most CS majors I know dropped out of CS after first two semesters. But if you are really really really into CS (and you are absolutely sure), I can’t help but only put forth praises to CS at Carnegie Mellon. I know a friend who attends there right now (third year who is focusing more on the discrete mathy side while doing CS) and he truly seems to be challenged to his wits. It is to the point that I am kind of embarrassed of how much I did not study for a top 10-11 CS program (public).