@bluebayou It will only be cheaper to send your child to “those” privates back east if you are eligible to receive Fin Aid. In CA coastal areas, at least, many middle class families are shut out of any financial aid so no matter how great their fabled aid is, it’s a moot point. A lot middle and upper middle class families would prefer to send their kids to UC’s–especially if they have multiple kids–but cannot because they will be denied, even though they are excellent students. Those who can afford $70,000 per year have that choice, but most do not.