OP, the above two posts about Santa Cruz made me think of something that may or may not be a factor for your daughter.
Of the four campuses under discussion, the only one with strong political leanings is Santa Cruz. Any live-and-let-live person will do fine there. But anyone with strong politically conservative leanings, or anyone not comfortable with a strong LGBTQ presence would be, well, very uncomfortable.
I will add that my son is Christian (progressive) and he has found Bible studies on campus. There is a wide variety of students. Diversity is celebrated by all.
I’m guessing this may not be an issue for you as you haven’t raised it but I just thought I’d put it out there, as you asked for information about the schools.
@calla1 Thanks. We live in Austin (keeping it weird), so use to all sorts. We are liberal in a liberal city, but I think she will be in for an adjustment (any college) for more of an open expression of it coming from a red state. I’m from California, so aware of the pockets of both liberal/conservative areas. I think the only thing that concerns her about SC is any vegan/vegetarian pressure and picking which of the colleges to join. I think Rachel Carson is her top choice, but not sure how much the extra curriculum would impact her studies.
I guess I could have looked more closely at your name - I only saw the “Tex” part and thought I’d better warn you - lol. Sounds like you get it, being from California.
There’s no vegan/vegetarian pressure. My son is a meat eater. The cafeterias do pride themselves on organic, locally sourced vegetables. DS really wasn’t impacted by any extra curriculum but he’s in a different college and a transfer so can’t speak to that part.