come to Vandy and return to CA for your first job and use California state schools to further credentials as you gain experience and a specialized area. These four years should be a broadening life experience and Vandy for 5K cheaper is a steal. You may never have the opportunity to attend a top flight private school at a good price point again. My sons both chose grad schools based on seeking lower debt and attended private undergrad colleges with traditional campus lifestyles. Always keep your eye on the long game!! Don’t feel guilty choosing an adventure for your undergrad education…stir the pot, leave your region. Most kids at Vandy have taken risks and left home far behind to be there. Nashville and surrounding Tennessee is very southern but Vandy is its own little world and Nashville city is a Third Coast city charmer. You aren’t committing a life to the southeast. just a few formative years. Anchor Down.