Chance my son at the UCs and Cal States [CA resident, 3.53 UW, 3.63 UC capped, business or data analytics]

I personally believe that most flagships are substitutional. Sometimes a major matters but even then, it’s not like Arizona State is getting all the Supply Chain jobs and no one else is - because supply chain kids are getting hired from everywhere (even though they’re one of the top 2).

Is there a difference between SDSU, Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma.

I think not.

Is there to Fresno/Bakersfield - yes - in the sense of the kids will be more local, less wealthy, etc.

Is there to UCLA - yes, as UCLA is on a trimester system and statistically, will have more smart kids - but smart kids are everywhere.

If it’s a pure $$ and sense game, then yes, in state is cheapest or schools that are cheap to begin with - like C Michigan is $28K all in. W Carolina is cheaper. Obviously, you’re not looking that far - but as an example.

U Arizona, with the GPA will be pricey but a Nevada or Washington State with WUE will be ok. Oregon State WUE likely not happening as this student wouldn’t be in the top 30% of applicants.

A U of Kansas would be mid 30s with $10K auto merit - all in - so there’s a flagship type that will equal or beat the price of local schools - just as an example.

Do I think it’s lesser than SDSU or UC whatever.

Personally I do not forgetting a high admissions rate. You still have to get through the classes.

I think the student, in the end, is the one that has to hustle to find jobs.

UCB is arguable the top ECE school in the country and it’s 2024 placement report shows 24% still seeking a job (not sure what the time snapshot is)…

If kids want to study hard, go to office hours or do research or simply learn - they can. And at some schools, you have Honors Colleges that will have smaller classes, that might be attainable where they wouldn’t be at the bigger name.

But I generally agree with what you said - exceptions of course - but not too many.

I don’t believe the Merced kid is necessarily disadvantaged like others who thumb their nose and UCR and UCM would have you believe - if the kid hustles and they’ll need to do it from anywhere.