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If you are new to California or just beginning your California college research, you may be wondering what’s the difference between the CSU (California State University) and the UC (University of California) educational systems. And actually, many Californians would not be able to tell you the difference. Additionally, you may want to know which factors to consider when choosing which California university system is right for you. UC (University of California) and CSU (California State University) schools make up two thirds of the California public university system (the last component is comprised of the California Community Colleges). Both UC and CSU receive funding from the State of California. The California State University system is comprised of 23 Universities and boasts almost 450,000 students. The University of California system is comprised of 10 universities and has an enrollment of approximately 191,000.
One of the biggest differences between the two California University systems is that, historically, the University of California was the only public California higher education system that could grant Doctorate level degrees. For the most part this is still true today, although now there are a few exceptions. Given that the goal of the UC system was to provide undergraduate through doctorate level instruction and that CSU’s mission is to provide undergraduate through master’s level instruction, the educational focus of each system is very different.
The University of California tends to focus more on theoretical, philosophical, and research based learning, while the California State University System’s educational picture combines the theoretical with practical applications. Thus, the University of California may be more appealing to students who plan on pursuing Doctorate level studies or who will go into research and discovery based careers. The California State University program has proven to be effective for students that are looking to learn specifics skill that they can apply immediately as they enter the workforce, such as accounting, teaching and nursing careers.
Which system is more prestigious? While both systems have been ranked very well in their respective areas, The University of California is the more impressively ranked of the two public higher education systems. The UC system boasts 3 schools that are ranked in the top 25 universities in the country according the US News and World Report school ranking. Additionally, some individual UC campuses as a result of their research emphasis and medical centers, have larger budgets than the entire CSU system. This is not to say that there aren’t California State Universities with a stellar reputation as well.
Admission Standards: Under the Master Plan for Higher Education, also known as the Donahoe Education Act of 1960, the University of California system attempts to accept the top 12.5% (or one-eighth) of graduating high school seniors, where as the California State University campuses attempt to accept the top one third of the graduating high school seniors. Because admission standards have historically been more stringent for the UC campuses, their admission process comparatively has been more competitive than CSU’s. However, there are certain California State University campuses that are impacted (impacted simply defined is a school or major which has more qualified student applicants than capacity permits). This has caused the admission requirements for these select universities to become quite competitive as well. The following CSU campuses are currently impacted: Cal Poly, Cal Poly Pomona, Fullerton, Long Beach, and San Diego.
Pricing: Both the University of California and California State University offer an education at comparatively reasonable prices. The average cost for one year of public university tuition in the US for 2008-2009 was $6,585. The California State University system, which prides itself on being not only the largest public university system but also one of the most affordable, costs only $3,700 per year for the 2008-2009 school year (NOTE: this may be increased as the California Budget is being adjusted). The more prestigious University of California System is a bit more than double that cost, at $8,100 per year.
When deciding on the right public California University system you should consider admission requirements, cost, educational goals, and your career aspirations. While the University of California system may be reputed as the more prestigious of the two, the cost savings and the focus on applied learning offered by the California State University system may be better suited for many students. However, if you plan on going on to doctorate level studies or are interested in pursuing a career as a doctor or an attorney, the University of California system could be the best fit for you.
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