SDSU vs. UCD vs. USD

Hey everyone,

Recently all the college decisions came back and I’ve lowered it down to SDSU vs. UC Davis vs. SDSU and I need some guidance as to which school to choose.
First, let me tell you about myself. I went to public school all my life until high school when I transferred to a Catholic private school. Although my experience was a lot different, I really ended up liking it. However, I didn’t go to public high school so I don’t really know if I would or wouldn’t like it (trying to keep an open mind). I really like the beach and honestly I think I’ll do okay anywhere as long as the people are nice and I can find some people I vibe with but I want to choose a school I’ll do more than “okay” in. I was accepted undeclared to all three schools however, I plan on pursuing business, I’m not sure of which major yet (under business) though. Which schools have the best business program? One more thing, I’m from San Diego so I’ve definitely grown up in a more urban place and I really like an urban environment… also, I can visit home much easier if I go to SDSU/USD. Any guidance or input helps!

PROS vs. CONS

UC DAVIS

Pros
-“best” or most prestige
-nature-y
-food was good
-dorms are nice
-R1 school
-lots of extracurriculars
-if i want to transfer cross uc it’s easier from another uc
-work-study

Cons
-almost too chill
-more rural than i’d like
-i honestly feel like there’s nothing to do outside the farmer’s market
-IDK how to feel about the college town environment
-quarter system
-business isn’t really what uc davis is known for, seems like an after thought…even though they’re a “better” school how does their business program compare to these other schools?

USD

Pros
-I LOVE the campus it’s literally gorgeous
-it’s a lot closer to an “urban” setting
-small class sizes
-i talked to some of the people and they all seemed super nice
-they don’t have as many clubs but still ones i’d join (waterpolo, etc.)
-i could see myself going here more than the other schools
-the food was good
-dorms were nice too
-business program seems a lot better
-awesome study abroad program

CONS
-are the people really “rich and snobby” here??
-least school “spirit”
-less of a community than the other schools
-not an R1 school
-not seen as “prestigious” as UCD
-don’t believe there’s a work study

SDSU

Pros
-party school
-good for post-grad employment in san diego
-has good extracurriculars and better sports
-business program seems decent too
-accepted into honors program
-location
-work-study
-school spirit
-free concerts w good artists

Cons
-over-crowded
-less prestigious
-i’ve heard it’s more unsafe
-party school
-harder to graduate in 4 years bc majors are impacted

Quick note: cost isn’t much of an issue, scholarships and grants have made all schools basically cost the same. Seriously, any feedback is appreciated and thanks in advance. Hope you all have a great rest of the day!

USD sounds like the most obvious choice. Your intro paragraph pretty much eliminates UCD.

D18 goes to USD and is enjoying it. Midwestern daughter of teacher, so not rich and snobby. Some of her friends turn out to be rich, but no complaints of snobby, so far. Truly beautiful, resort-like feeling to campus. “Feel-good” vibe–students generally seem to be in a good mood. But maybe that’s just par for the course in San Diego.

No heavy-duty on campus partying, though. It’s off-campus upperclassman houses or SDSU fraternity parties!

you don’t need an R1 school for business.

USD used to be know as University of Spoiled Daughters… so sure, plenty of full pay students. However, I know several middle class kids who attended with some financial aid and really enjoyed their college experience.

UC Davis - You have been in San Diego for a long time. Now it’s time for some adventures. Student life at UC Davis is much better than USD. USD is a dead place. It’s immaculate but boring. From UCD you can explore Sacramento, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe,…

Neither UCD nor USD ranks in the top 30 undergraduate business schools. So it does not make any difference if you consider ranking. The overall ranking of the college will make more sense.