Transferring to a 4-Year College - Online Orientation
Cal State University System vs. University of California System
There are three 4-year college systems in California:
- Private schools (such as Santa Clara or Stanford)
- California State Universities (CSUs – such as San Jose State or California State University, East Bay)
- University of California (UCs – such as University of California, Berkeley or University of California, Davis)
The majority of students pursue degrees at either a CSU or UC because they are more affordable than private schools, however many students do not know the difference between the two public education systems. Usually, students say the only difference is that, “UCs are better than CSUs,” but this is not necessarily the case.
Although it is true that UCs are more difficult to get admitted into, a UC may not be the best school for you to attend. Here's why:
- At the UCs, the programs are more research and theory-oriented. Students study how and why things happen. For example, in a teacher education program, students would study how people learn and various theories of teaching methodologies.
- On the flip side, the CSU's were actually created as “teaching colleges”. Therefore the type of education you will receive there will be more hands-on and teach more practical approaches. A teacher education program at a CSU may focus more on specific teaching methods and lesson plans.
Depending on your major and what you are looking for, a CSU may have a more applicable program.
