So I’m from Virginia and I got accepted into Virginia Tech. The tuition to go to Virginia Tech is definitely a lot cheaper, almost 1/3 the price compared to the UC schools However, I know I want to live in California later on and I want to make a lot of friends there in college and so when I graduate, I already know people there and will have connections. I applied undecided (I’m gonna figure out what I want in college) and ranking wise, UCI and UCSB are higher than Virginia Tech. I worked really hard in high school and I feel like UCSB or UCI accurately reflect my academics the most. But I’m not sure if it’s worth paying 55K a year?
If someone could tell me the pros and cons of each school that would be great!
What is your intended major?
Look, if you want something that is related to Engineering studies then among those schools Virginia Tech is the best option.
And also 55K is a lot. Why would you want your family to be in financial pressure for your College when you got accepted in a school that is waaaaay cheaper and has an excellent reputation. Virginia Tech is an excellent school and has a lot of connections. According to me 55K a year is not worth it.
However, it’s totally upto you and to your family to make the decision.
Best of luck with your decision.
Cheers! 
Only you and your family can determine whether the extra cost is worth it depending on what that much money means to your family. If it represents no big deal, then if you really want to study in Cal (which it appears you do), then go there (I’d take UCSB over UCI). Personally, I would save the money for grad school.
The rankings won’t matter much in the real world. Also, if you’re planning on doing engineering, if you were accepted as undeclared it’ll be much harder to get into engineering at UCSB than VT.
Actually going in undecided will make it VERY difficult to get into engineering at VT. They have instituted a new policy that does not guarantee entrance to anyone who isn’t accepted into CoE as a freshman. Have to jump through hoops getting specific classes and grades, then apply. And even then it will depend on GPA and if there are even spots available. Plus you will most likely be looking at an extra semester or 2.
If loans above Stafford levels are needed for the $55k/year, I’d think very long and hard about going to CA. It’s a high COLA area. Add in medium to high student loan payments and I think you might be underestimating the impact that would have on your standard of living there. And that impact wouldn’t be felt for just a year or to - more like 10+. Personally I’d come out with no/very low debt fro VT (which is a respected school) and use the connections you currently have in CA to go out after graduation. Even if you have to start out in a lower wage job, you’d still be ahead of the game versus having to find a high pay job to begin with to cover your living costs and debt payments
So are you undecided at VT or just the UC’s?? Anyways, I would not pay $55k per year for UCI/UCSB unless your family is crazy rich where this amount is simply a rounding error. Save the money, do well at VT, and come to CA to work and fulfill your dreams.