<p>The UCs are excellent schools. Look at their rankings on a number of systems. UCSC also has a definite “climate” as well as excellent programs. Some folks want to go to California and going the UC route is comparable cost to the privates. But I agree that a student from Florida who probably could get Bright Futures and even without it a low COA from those state schools is being fiscally irresponsible going to a UC.</p>