My dd is trying to decide between UCSD and American for political science / public affairs. We are in northern CA so UCSD is $55k cheaper over 4 years (got a merit scholarship at American) but she gets to make the choice. Anyone know about the UCDC program? She is tempted by the prospect of being in DC, and worried about the “socially dead” reputation of UCSD. On the other hand, my sense is that UCSD has better brand recognition - in CA, but perhaps not for Poli sci? She may also, of course, completely change her mind about her major, in which case we’re better off saving for grad school… thoughts? I know these two school are SOOO different.
UCSD is not actually socially dead if you put effort into finding the social scene, which really isn’t hard to find. So many orgs and clubs on campus, easy to make friends with in your suites/apartments. The stigma of UC Socially Dead is not something you should worry about.
Source: a super social 1st year who came in thinking he would have no friends 
If finances really aren’t an issue, because lets face it, $55K is not a drop in the hat for most, I’d encourage her to go to American given her choice of majors. Many kids change majors but I think alot stay in the same “arena”…how likely is it that she would change her interests/major to something stem-related or pre-professional? Probably not that likely but definately something to consider.
Thanks y’all. I don’t see her ever heading into a stem related field, but perhaps the soft sciences - social science, maybe. She likes history a lot but doesn’t want to teach. While $55k is certainly not a drop in the bucket for us, we agreed to let her choose, and her grandparents will help out - not planning on loans. The difference will limit any urge to help with graduate school…
For political science/public affairs I’d definitely go with American, all else being equal. CC always has the “the extra $$$ is not worth it” people but in my opinion that’s something for each family to decide, especially if you can do it without debt. I think nationally American has better brand recognition for polsci, though USCD is very solid too. One thing to consider is that being in DC opens up a myriad internship opportunities in the field/s she’s interested in, and DC students can intern all year long at these opportunities and not just in summer.
This may be the best of both worlds : https://aip.ucsd.edu/programs/ucdc/index.html. I believe you can piggyback the semester with summer if you want a longer D.C. Experience.
Yes, if she goes to UCSD, I’m assuming she’ll apply for the UCDC program. They also have a semester internship arrangement in Sacramento / state-level through UCD. It feels like a question of whether she’s ready to jump into this field with both feet squarely aimed at DC, or whether she wants to spend 4 years figuring out what she really likes, in sunny SD, saving some money for grad school along the way. Though I understand that even if she realizes she wants to do something else, DC is a valuable experience.
By the way, she has similar merit aid at GWU, but did not like the lack of a traditional campus feel.
Parent of a current American student - We have had a very positive experience at American. My son was immediately able to find his “people” and there is an active social scene at AU. There are many types of places to intern in DC, so if she decided to switch to a social science area, there would be plenty to choose from. Another perk of DC is the myriad of FREE things to do which helps with socializing. My son and his friends visit the National Mall, Monuments and Smithsonian’s and AU includes an unlimited Metro pass with tuition so it’s easy to go out and do fun things throughout the city. Please feel free to PM me if you have specific questions. We feel that the undergrad education, experience and opportunities are worth the extra money.