<p>If you are attracted to urban settings, you need to look at urban UC’s like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego etc(if you can handle the cost). However, in this case I recommend Cal Poly SLO over Pomona even though you like urban. Yes, SLO is that much better.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to apply to your state university, Iowa State and SUNY’s. They are fairly cheap for out of state students.</p>