CSU's vs. UC's - are job prospects really that different?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Brief question here. I'm sort of torn about what college to attend this upcoming year. On one hand, I live less than 10 minutes away from one of the nine UC's, which means I could live at home and save some money * and * also get the UC name. I believe I can get into the school (it definitely isn't a reach, but there's still a chance I could be turned down).</p>

<p>However, I'm also looking at some nearby state schools. I really love the idea of a state school because they're so much cheaper, although this would probably be negated by the fact that I'd have to pay for living expenses. Still, I'm also sort of drawn to the idea of attending a state school, because I've been in kind of a funk lately, and I feel like being more independent and switching up my environment would be highly beneficial to my development and wellbeing (especially since things between me and the rest of my family are... tense, at the moment). </p>

<p>Now, the UC I'm looking at doesn't offer any of the degrees I want (namely criminal justice). I was shocked to see that it was actually the CSU's on my list that offered tons of majors and classes that I would be interested in. If I went to the UC near me, I'd have to give up getting a specific major and minor I have my eye on, whereas if I went to a state school I could be very picky in what I study.</p>

<p>Note: there's yet another CSU near me (about 30 minutes away) that also carries the majors I want. I could live at home if I attended that school (not entirely sure if that's a pro or a con though), and save even more money than I would at the UC - kind of the best of both worlds. However, the ranking really isn't that great. The CSU near me isn't much to brag about (it's Sacramento State). I don't know much about the school, but I've heard it has a bad rap. </p>

<p>Basically, I hear everyone saying that UC graduates (no matter the degree) have it so much better than CSU graduates when it comes to job prospects. Is this really true? One would think that in this day and age, when college is so horrendously expensive, employers would be a little sympathetic and understanding of how many students would rather chose a state school than pick up debt. Is this really not the case? My college decision is most definitely going to be influenced by a) cost and b) location, although I'm starting to wonder if the "CSU vs. UC" name is an incredibly important factor as well. </p>

<p>Thanks for any insight! </p>

2

<p>The CSU system was designed to get students ready to go out into the workforce, while the UC system is researched based so you are looking at students intersested in going on the Professional careers (Dentist, Doctor, Lawyer) or graduate school. If you find the CSU’s have the major and courses you want, then by all means apply. Regarding research opportunities at CSU’s, the lines have blurred significantly and many CSU’s (SDSU/SLO) have great research opportunities.</p>

<p>You should go the school where you think you will suceed and the get the most benefit to you personally and professionally. I have one son at a UC and another at a CSU. Both felt they picked the right school for their major and career aspirations. </p>

<p>Good Luck.</p>

3

<p>Are the jobs you are looking at closely associated with specific majors? If so, then the major is likely much more important than which school you got the bachelor’s degree on.</p>

<p>Some types of employers and job classifications tend to place a high value on school prestige, while others do not.</p>