California has so many excellent universities that it’s hard to justify attending elsewhere. However, as mentioned above, there are several valid reasons for having a few OOS universities on the list: first, and very importantly, OOS universities can provide safeties, especially those with rolling admissions, lifting a big stress off seniors’ shoulders.
In addition, since your area CSU is CSULA which is primarily commuter, if he wanted a primarily residential college there would be SDSU (probably a reach for his stats?), Humboldt (not quite the right fit based on what you said), Chico (he may even qualify for the Honors program) and Sonoma State. If these don’t come through or aren’t his cup of tea, having a similar university OOS would be worth looking into - hence Utah, OSU, etc.
There could also be a university that is especially strong in a niche subject of interest (not your son but this can happen- lately there was a student interested in mycology research for instance.)
A last reason is having access to the perks and more personalized setting of an Honors college: these aren’t common at UCs/CSUs, but some students thrive in smaller, discussion-based classes and enjoy a strong peer group, a personal adviser, special housing… Finding a university where the student qualifies for that can also justify OOS study.
You could look into University of New Mexico, Utah, or WWU, but also Adams State (safety), or University Puget Sound (high target, good business school).
4 Likes