<p>I know some LACs have special programs (esp for engineering or some science disciplines) where you do 2 or 3 years at the LAC, then take specialized classes at a research university. In the NW, Lewis&CLark and Whitman come to mind; don’t recall if I saw any in CA that did. I don’t think you save any money by doing this; most of the affiliated unis are private (on the order of USC, Columbia).</p>