<p>It is wise to apply to financial safeties that you know you can afford. Financial safeties vary applicant-to-applicant based on university policies (need-blind or need-aware, meets need or gaps, offers merit aid or only need-based aid…) and student information (qualifying for merit aid, qualifying for need-based aid, having special talents a school wants…). Applying to both public universities (CSU and UC) and privates that have offered scholarships/aid to students with your profile would be a good idea.</p>
<p>Yes, the UCs are raising fees. Systemwide fees (“tuition”) will rise to just over $11,000/year starting next year (the first increase to approx. $10,300 takes effect this year). Califonia private universiy tuition varies, but many with names you would recognize range from $30,000 - $40,000/year. In the absense of finiancial aid and based only on “economic factors,” the UC would be the less expensive option. Applying strategically to private schools that would love to have you would offer other options at possibly a lower cost.</p>
<p>[UC</a> expected to raise student fees 32% – latimes.com](<a href=“http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ucfees19-2009nov19,0,6237361.story]UC”>UC ready to raise student fees by 32%)</p>