With a 4.0 GPA, you could try for UCB (and maybe UCLA), as long as you know that you are aiming for the super-reach Regents’ scholarship, not just admission. At UCB (and maybe UCLA), this scholarship means that they will give a financial aid package that covers all costs above your FAFSA EFC, including the out-of-state additional tuition. For UCSD, the Regents’ scholarship does not cover the out-of-state additional tuition, and UCSC’s Regents’ scholarship is just a relatively small fixed amount. If you do want to apply to any UCs, the deadline is in just a few days.
Seems like the problem you are facing is that many of the best financial aid schools are highly selective, and admit few transfers. Generally, the more transfer friendly tend to be public schools (with usually poor aid for out-of-state students), though some private schools with decent aid like USC admit significant numbers of transfers. You may also want to look into large-enough merit scholarships at the public schools (particularly less selective ones like Arizona), though be warned that merit scholarships for transfers are typically far less plentiful than for frosh.
Within UH sociology, there may be variation in the depth and rigor to which specific instructors or courses go. If you go to UH sociology, you may want to look into where the greater depth and rigor within the department are.