Frankly, as an Californian, we do not view UCs are really “prestige” schools, UCB, UCLA and UCSD graduates are dime a dozen in CA, some Bio graduates cannot find a job and is working in the Mall as sales. There are plenty of successful graduates, but overall, too many of them around.
We always advice OOS students should not come to UC, you will not get a dime from them and you will be paying some thing like Ivy League tuition, but become a cattle with a number in the bunch. The lower level class could have up to 500 students in a class and you are graded by TAs. And because of budget cuts, it is entirely possible to graduate in 5 years.
Stay in NC and enjoy full ride.