just because it is in the same system “technically” does not make it is peer institution. Its not just the UC system take a look at Penn State, Rutgers New Brunswick, University of Michigan- AA, UCONN, SUNY, University of Maryland, These are all nationally ranked schools with satellite campuses in reach respective state. And those campuses are different in terms of what kind of students they attract, the majors they offer, campus life and so on. I can almost say with confidence that a lot of those students would like to attend their flagship school. However you can still have a great college experience its all what you make of it.