UC vs CSU
The difference between UC and CSU goes beyond price. When choosing a university, it is a comparative factor. UC is significantly more expensive than CSU, because CSU is a state school. State schools are able to keep their costs lower, largely due to state funding. Each school system is based on different strengths and weaknesses, especially when you consider the major you’re planning to study.
UC systems are known for their approach in developing students that have strengths in research, theory and studies, while the CSU system is more developed for practical applications and non-research oriented career candidates. This doesn’t mean that one is better than the other, but it does indicate that you should choose according to your post graduate plans.
CSU schools tend to focus on maintaining small, direct class sizes, while UC systems are based on a self-motivated style of learning. The reputations of UC schools are higher than those of the CSU system, but this is a skewed understanding. They are not necessarily schools that will provide the appropriate education for those that wish to enter the work force in their chosen field, unless they are interested in research. This is why the reputation needs to be considered as an opinion, and not a fact.
UC is often more appropriate for those seeking postgraduate educational options, rather than for those who are going straight from AP classes in high school to their college education. While CSU can offer very good postgraduate options, there are also more options for freshmen coming directly from high school.
UC credits do not transfer easily to CSU schools. Likewise, CSU credits are not likely to be easily transferred to UC schools.
When attending CSU classes, you are more likely to have direct educational benefits because the class is taken by a professor. UC classes are likely to have numerous assistants, and even graduate students, doing a percentage of the instruction. This can be problematic for some students, while other students don’t find it a challenge, as the classes are still overseen by the professor of the course.
Summary:
1. UC schools are more expensive.
2. UC offers research oriented education.
3. CSU offers education appropriate for professional positions that are not research oriented.
4. CSU leans toward developing smaller class sizes.
5. UC schools carry a better reputation.
6. UC schools are a good choice for postgraduate studies. Undergraduate options are research orientated.
7. Credits are not easily transferred between the two systems.
8. CSU classes are more likely to be taught by a single, consistent professor.