Academically, they are both fine and (as a CSUS alum) other than the debt load, I wouldn’t go so far as to say either will ‘give you better opportunities in life’. Since you are planning on grad school, Sac’s low 4 year grad rate (around 22% vs 60% for UCSC) plus the net price difference between the two weighs heavily in UCSCs favor.
Seriously, steer as clear as you can of Plus Parent loans, they add up quickly and often prove to be a burden for the student and family in the coming years.
Good luck.