Good thoughts, all.
I have a friend who really thought her son “deserved” to go to a UC because he’s a solid student (28 ACT, 3.8/4.0 GPA). He’s gotten into UCR and waitlisted at UCI, but not other UC options. He’s in at CPP, Fullerton, and the local school, SDSU. He wasn’t thrilled with going to a Cal State. They are also full pay.
I really encouraged her to look at CPP (son is undeclared engineering) for all the reasons you mentioned.