From an education value standpoint, which is better? $100k for UCSD or $50k for SDSU? This is for 4 years engineering.
Since you have indicated the price, the 50k difference is not chump change to you.
Can u comfortably afford the more expensive school? Do u need loans? If so, then how much.
@GMTplus7 No loans. I just want to make sure that money is well spent. I guess the bottom line would be is UCSD worth the $50k extra? D has a full ride in state but insists on going to CA. I have no problem paying if it makes a difference in her future.
If she is OOS for UC, then she’s full pay for 4 years. She can’t get in-state residency after 2 years because her primary purpose for arrival in California is for her education. So it’s $220K for 4 years. $100K for CSU’s
Totally understand the OOS @"aunt bea" . Not claiming resident status at all but thanks for the extra info. My portion is the OOS extra above in state tuition and fees. D is on the GI bill which pays instate tuition, fees, and housing.
You may want to double-check with the VA office at the schools. If she is on parent GI bill, the ones that would know exact pricing would be the Veteran’s Affairs office on-campus.
@"aunt bea" Already did for both schools as wells as the VA office. We are responsible for the OOS “education fee”. She will actually have a surplus from housing that she could apply to that but it’s only a couple thousand a year over housing and meals. She will be paid E5 plus 2dep for the zip code of the school. VA confirmed. If my husband retires when he ETS this July, then the OOS portion will be waived for upcoming years due to the new Tuition Fairness Act. I’m not planning on that and willing to pay OOS portion.
Any thoughts on my original question?
What is your in-state option? UCSD is an excellent school and my younger son is at SDSU which he loves, but we are in-state. Personallly I would never pay above and beyond what is necssary to get a degree. Unless she plans to stay in California and work after graduation, I really do not see an advantage. You also need to consider transportation costs, depending upon how far away you live from CA.
There is no question UCSD is a better school but, to answer your question - It depends how thick your wallet is.
If you can afford it without going into debt and/or raiding retirement funds - and she likes it more - then UCSD is the clear choice.
For those of us with less of a bankroll, SDSU is a great choice. She can get a great education at a more reasonable cost.
@onlyrodeo - thanks to you and your family for your dad’s service.
UCSD and SDSU=Depends on her personality.
Yes, UCSD is the better school on paper, rigorous and prestigious, and lots of theory, but SDSU is the better school in overall range of course choices and practicality.
Can she visit both??
It’s true what they say about UCSD (Socially Dead). Per my daughter’s high school classmates and lots of opinions on CC. UCSD is not quite as “active” as the other UC’s.
SDSU has more social options and plans more social activities. Sports is becoming a big draw at SDSU.
She really needs to plan a quick visit with Mom and Dad.
@Gumbymom Yes. She plans to live in CA. Her friend is a born and raised Cali boy and has no plans to move elsewhere. I know the job market is tight and the economy is not the best. Just wanted to put her in the best position possible after school.
@NCalRent this kind of money is definitely hard to throw around but luckily we will not be going into debt. We opened up a college saving when she was born. Not privileged by any means. Just a good old hard working middle class family 
@aunt bea. Absolutely. Made arrangements for Saturday’s triton day. She’s leaning towards SDSU because she’s been on that campus numerous times. She’s never seen UCSD and I want her to see that campus before she rules it out.
Thank you all for your comments.
I would say UCSD. It’s continually more difficult to get acceptance, plus it has a stellar reputation, at least within the state. But again, if the gut feeling says SDSU, I wouldn’t shoot that idea down either. For engineering, I would definitely recommend staying in the UC system. The ROI of the UC will offset the costs, IMO. Plus, with housing costs and the cost of living in SD anyway, I wouldn’t let the tuition costs sway the decision too much.
Thank you @WriterJane15
What is the in-state option?
Just putting it out there, 94% of people faced with this decision choose UC San Diego. Of course, the cost is a huge issue that you’re going to have to consider, I just wanted to leave that data there