Why Out-of-State Students Should Consider the University of California System (And Who Shouldn't)
Why Out-of-State Students Should Consider the University of California System (And Who Shouldn't)
When most students think about prestigious public universities, they often focus on the flagship in their own state. But for many ambitious students, the University of California system offers opportunities that can rival what's available closer to home. For students seeking world-class academics, research opportunities, strong career outcomes, and access to California's innovation economy, attending a UC can be a worthwhile investment. However, the decision isn't right for everyone.
Why UCs?
The UC system isn't just a couple of state universities with a decent all around program, they have 9 separate campuses with different focuses and enough options to satisfy tens of thousands of students. They're ranked very highly not only in the United states, but in the world as powerhouse research leaders and incubators of some of the top businesses in Forbes 500. California itself also has a booming economy, with everything from startups in Silicon Valley to top class hospital systems. Culturally, California is a mix of everything, with strong influences from Latin American and Asian cultures, to the glam of the Hollywood Hills, and lush forests for all outdoorsy folks to explore.
UC Major Highlights
If your local state school has a particular major that you are dying to study, absolutely go for that. However, the University of California system holds a few key strengths regarding academic programs. Computer science and engineering at Berkeley, San Diego, Irvine, and UCLA is nearly unrivaled. With the bulk of technology companies, including AI powerhouses, being focused in California, starting out in this state is the right way to go.
Additionally, premed or nursing students also should check out UC Davis or UCLA for their top tier preparatory programs, including ones with clinical experiences in world class hospitals. The UCs also go deeper than your average biology or chemistry major, as many students undertake research alongside professors as early as sophomore year. There are also hybrid types of majors for those interested in biotechnology or how neuroscience connects to computer science.
For all of the students who want to save the earth, UC Davis, Santa Barbara, and Berkeley of wonderful environmental science programs and several different majors focus on sustainability. There's even an entomology major at UC Davis for students who really love bugs! Additionally, these communities are also focused on living the green lifestyle, and their access to beautiful beaches and forests is unparalleled. There are also different research centers coordinated in different states for students who want to study desert or urban ecosystems.
The last major group that would really benefit from a University of California education specifically are students interested in the creative fields. UCLA and UC Irvine boast tight connections to film and media groups that practically run America's entertainment system. You also would not have to move far in the case that you do end up in Hollywood! Beyond film and TV related creative arts, you see LA and UC Berkeley offer a wide variety of programs in music, visual arts, architecture, and more.
Students From Which States Should Especially Consider the UCs?
It's true that the most highly ranked public universities outside of the University of California system are mainly concentrated on the East Coast, or in huge states like Texas. That leads us to who should seriously consider going out of state for a University of California education. Primarily, students from western states such as Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, or New Mexico who are ambitious or particularly interested in the above mentioned programs, or who are both really should consider trying their hand at the University of California system. Mainly because of California's massive tax base compared to these other less densely populated states, the University of California system is able to provide many more resources and opportunities to these students. Of course, the out of state sticker price may be shocking, but scholarships are definitely available, and large work study programs exist at these universities.
Another type of student who may want to go to university in California is someone who wants to live in California long term! If your goal is to move into the bustling hum of LA or the sunny shores of San Diego, you'll likely have an easier time finding a job with your University of California connections than by trying to do so on your own. Certainly, many people want to live in California because of the glamorized lifestyle we see on social media, so do think carefully if this is a choice that you really want to make for your career’s future.
Benefits of Going Out-of-State
As someone who left her home state to go to university, I can definitely attest that going out of state is a fantastic experience for the right kind of person. If you are ready to grow and be more independent than you have ever been, moving hours and hours away from the town that you know might be the right choice. You won't have the luxury of seeing your high school friends all the time or relying on your parents to fix your problems right away, but this is the type of experience that you need to learn how to be a really independent person. Additionally, if you come from a less diverse state, going to California in particular will be an amazing cultural experience, where you will be able to try many new foods, meet many new people, and even learn a new language if you so desire! Finally, there are several practical benefits to coming to the University of California system and California as a whole; California has one of the most robust research university systems with lots of chances to progress into other professional degrees or academic tracks if that is something that interests you, and California as a whole has one of the most vibrant economies in America. If you're concerned about your local economy going under in the next 5 to 10 years, it might be worth the move to the West to make it big.
Who Should NOT Choose a UC?
After reading this article, you might be ready to pack your bags and head to Cali already. However, there are a few cautions you need to take before making the big leap.. If you do not qualify for work study or haven't received any significant scholarships, and the out of cost tuition is too much for your family, you should definitely go to an institution where you have a better financial standing. Secondly, if you're looking for a cute college town or small classes in close relationships with most of your professors, you probably won't get that unless you go to UC Merced or UC Riverside. You might get that experience if you're in a super niche major like Russian literature, but for the majority of people at UC's, it is going to be a very large university experience with huge classes, huge campuses, and a lot of people trying to get your professor's attention. Finally, if you're academics and extracurriculars haven't been great throughout high school, the University of California system might not be for you. They are very strict about their admissions criteria for out of state students, and it might not be worth the application fee if you are not at least somewhat confident you are able to meet their standards.
How to Decide Whether a UC Is Worth It
Ask Yourself
Does the UC offer opportunities unavailable at my state's flagship?
Can my family realistically afford the cost?
Am I interested in California-based industries?
Do I want a large research university experience?
Will I take advantage of internships, research, and networking opportunities?
If the answer is "yes" to most of these questions, a UC may be a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
The University of California system isn't the right choice for every out-of-state student. But for students pursuing research-intensive fields, technology, healthcare, environmental studies, international affairs, or media careers, the UC campuses offer opportunities that few public university systems can match. The key question isn't whether a UC is prestigious, but it's about whether the opportunities available there are worth the additional cost and distance from home.
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