UCSD vs. UNC Chapel Hill

<p>UCSD Pros
I used to live in California and I would absolutely love to go back
I got accepted into ERC Public Health. After looking into the college and major, I was extremely content with the programs.
Weather and close to the beach!
May be able to see old California buddies.
UNC-CH Pros
Considered the better ranked school (#5 public school compared to UCSD which is #9)
In-state tuition
The major that I signed up for (biostatistics under the Public Health program) is supposed to be very useful for basically any field of studies.
Close to family (this is a pro for me although it may not be for many people)
UCSD Cons
Far from home
Still unsure if I qualify for in-state tuition (my dad still pays taxes to the California government and he is technically noted to be a California employee). We filed some kind of an appeal form.
UNC-CH Cons
Many people from my school will be attending UNC-CH and I'm trying to avoid them as much as possible in school right now. I don't think I can deal with seeing them for another four years. Bad memories in current high school.
Major isn't exactly what I'm looking for. I like the sound of the public health major in UCSD. Apparently the biostatistics major I signed up for in UNC-CH is under the public health department but I would like a whole general study instead of focusing on one specific aspect.
NC weather isn't always the best...</p>

<p>I'm just extremely conflicted right now. I think the decision will be clear once I find out if I can receive in-state tuition. I just wanted a general opinion on this. Thank you very much. </p>

<p>Chapel Hill is big enough that you won’t have to see your current HS classmates other than occasionally in passing. You may be able to pick up where you left off with your old California buddies, but don’t count on it. </p>

<p>Not having your major is a bigger hurdle, but majors change. Paying out-of-state tuition for UCSD would be a deal-breaker for me; if your appeal is granted and you receive in-state tuition, it sounds as if the major & the weather would tip the balance. </p>