<p>I know Berkeley is the best in California, but which alternatives would be good? UCSD, UCSB, UCD, UCLA, etc. Also while we're at it, which state colleges would be good for 'safety'?</p>
<p>For the UC’s, all have good Engineering programs and it also depends upon which type of Engineering.
UCSD: All programs are good but the highest ranked are Bioengineering and Computer Science/Computer Engineering along with Mechanical
UCSB: Know for Chemical Engineering
UCD: Civil/Environmental Engineering
UCI: Computer Engineering/Computer Science
My husband works for a heavy industrial construction company in California and his company prefers to hire from Cal Poly SLO and Cal Poly Pomona. His company likes the “hands-on approach” teach at the Cal Polys, which gets the engineers ready to work.
They are not impressed with Engineers graduating from UCLA, especially Civil.
For the Cal State Safeties, you need to post your STATS to determine which Cal State would be good.
Cal Poly SLO is definitely not a safety. This year especially for ME and BME, it has been tougher than most of the UC’s.
Cal Poly Pomona would possibly be a safety depending upon your STATs and if you are in the immediate service area.</p>
<p>I agree with Gumbymom. UCD is also good with Computer Engineering. UCLA is knowing for Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and probably Mechanical Engineering. The Cal Polys are especially good for Civil Engineering.</p>