Op said this is why I looked at all 188 ABET accredited CHEME schools. Other than in state cost, the UC won’t necessarily give him more access to grad school or jobs.
I did not see limitations of states.
Some of these schools draw heavy OOS - Bama for example. Some are smaller - UAH for example.
Nonetheless there are many on the list and some may have had deadlines pass but likely not most.
I took off schools where I didn’t think OP could get in.
If a UC is wanted - the Arizona schools or even a UNR would be fine subs.
Good luck to OP.