<p>^^Concur that graduation rates is a bogus stat. The UCs are extremely generous with AP/IB credit, so graduating early is rather easy for anyone who wants to. But, I also agree that, with the exception of a few specialized programs/majors, the UCs are a lousy value at OOS rates. A private just offers lots of everything else for the collegiate experience for the same, or even lower price (privates can have better finaid and merit money). For many/most? of the kids accepted to Cal, the Ivies & Stanford et al would be less out-of-pocket.</p>