Please Help! UCI vs SDSU vs CSUF

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Irvine
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Hi everyone,

Not sure if I was in the right forum but… here we go. I was recently accepted into UCI, SDSU, and CSUF among some others, and these are my 3 top choices. Realistically it’s between UCI and SDSU, but I figured I should consider CSUF too just in case because I hear that it has a great program for the area of study I’m in. My current major is International Business, I am out of state and in a CC. I do plan on getting my MBA, but not sure if I want to do it right away after I graduate with Bachelor’s.

I’ve done plenty of research online but I just still can’t decide. SDSU’s intent to enroll date is 3 days away and I am freaking out a little bit over which one I should choose. UCI has a better name among these 3, I hear it is a commuter school, it’s in one of the safest cities in CA and also entire US, and the weather is pretty good. However, I was admitted into their International Studies program instead of Business Admin (which I believe is very limited in space based on UCI’s website). I would have to do more research and decide on if I want to stay in Int Studies if I go there, and then apply and possibly transfer into their business department. I know UCI is more known for their science and engineering degrees, and its business side being relatively new. But it’s a UC, and it’s ranked much higher than the others.

On the other hand, SDSU admitted me in International Business. I have read on many sites that this school has a fantastic business program. It also has more parties, which I am fine with even though I am not really much of a hardcore party person. SD also has more fun things to do in general, it’s a great city. And I believe the beaches are nicer.

CSUF, I only hear that it has a pretty good business school, other than that, I have not much information on this school.

I would really appreciate it if you guys could help me out a little, especially those of you that grew up in one of these cities near these schools - what are they really like? Which one has the best business program and good networking opportunities? Which one is more likely for me to find an internship during college or a great job after graduation? Thank you so much! :slight_smile:

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Anyone?

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I don’t know any more than you do about business programs. I’ve heard good things about the programs at CSUF and SDSU. In terms of campus and area, the SDSU area is more interesting than CSUF, although CSUF has a cute downtown. In San Diego you’ve got an active, less-commuter campus, plus access to many parts of San Diego via the trolley that has a station right on campus (and to other parts of SoCal/beaches via Amtrak). SDSU has a reputation as a party school, but that doesn’t mean you have to participate in it. One of my kids’ friends is in a business program there (not sure which one) that he choose over many other options, and he’s enjoying he opportunities to participate in student life. UCI being a UC has more prestige, but I don’t know about the networking, and if you’re OOS of course the expense is significant.

Good luck, and congratulations on having the dilemma!

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Thank you for your input! I really appreciate it. :slight_smile:

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I’d suggest you go to SDSU - it is a better program than Fullerton and significantly less expensive than UCI. After you graduate, establish residency then apply to grad programs at UCI, etc. The prestige matters more at the Masters level.

Good luck