UW Alternatives/Safety School Suggestions?

<p>I plan on eventually applying as a transfer to UW Seattle Computer Science, once I have my AA. but I hear it's quite difficult to get into that program so I want to make sure and have several well researched safety schools in place that I can fall back on as alternatives. I don't know much about other Universities in Washington or out so I would really love to hear some suggestions from people on what they would recommend.</p>

<p>The things I'm looking for in a university are:</p>

<ol>
<li>A good Computer Science Program</li>
<li>Good Social/Party scene and traditional "College Experience".</li>
<li>Not insanely expensive.</li>
</ol>

<p>I'd probably like to stay in state, I live in Tacoma but moving a few hours away wouldn't be a big deal. Once upon a time I was considering universities in California, like UCSB but after some research I realized out-state tuition would be too much and establishing residency would be too difficult. So I started focusing more on in-state schools. Not sure I'd want to move across the country, but it could certainly be an interesting adventure so I'd love hear any and all suggestions in-state or otherwise.</p>

<p>My overall GPA is 3.4. I got 4.0's in CS 142 and 143, but a B- in Calc I. I still have a few more quarters before I apply. </p>

<p>Like I said I don't know much about the other universities in Washington and even less about ones out of state so off the top of my head I was thinking of looking at some of the state schools like WSU, CWU, WWU, EWU, etc.</p>

<p>Would love to hear peoples thoughts on these (and any universities) in comparison to UW and the above mentioned guidelines.</p>