Transferring from a CC: UC vs. CSU – What's the actual difference?

I'm a sophomore at a community college in the Central Valley, and I'm starting to put together my transfer applications. I know I want to stay in California, but I'm torn between applying to UCs and CSUs. I know the basic differences (research vs. teaching, cost, etc.), but I want to hear from students who've actually been through it.

My situation: I'm a first-gen student, low-income, majoring in Sociology. I want to eventually work in social services or maybe go to grad school for social work. I have a decent GPA (3.6) and I've been involved in some clubs.

Here's what I think I know, but please correct me if I'm wrong:

UCs (like UCLA, Berkeley, Davis, etc.):

• Pros: Prestige, research opportunities, name recognition. If I want to go to grad school, a UC might look better. More resources, more famous professors. The campuses are gorgeous.
• Cons: Expensive. Even with financial aid, the cost of living in places like LA or Berkeley is insane. Larger classes, especially lower-division. I've heard it can be harder to connect with professors. The application process is more competitive and requires those personal insight questions (which are stressing me out).

CSUs (like Long Beach, San Jose, Sacramento, etc.):

• Pros: More affordable. Smaller class sizes (from what I've heard). More "hands-on" and career-focused. Seems like a smoother transition from a CC. I've heard the professors are there to teach, not just to do research. Lots of campuses all over the state.
• Cons: Less prestige. Fewer research opportunities. Might not carry the same weight for a PhD program? The campuses can be less "idyllic" and more commuter-ish (depends on which one).

For sociology and social work, does the UC prestige matter that much? Or would I be better off saving money and going to a CSU with a good social work program? Any transfers out there who made one choice or the other and want to share their experience? I need all the advice I can get!

Okay so here's the thing about "prestige" in social work—employers care way more about your field placements and licensure than whether you went to UCLA or CSU Fullerton. Like, genuinely. I asked my advisor this exact question and she laughed. Said she's hired MSWs from both and the UC ones sometimes have less practical experience because they spent more time on theory.

For grad school prep? Either is fine. But CSUs often have direct pipelines to MSW programs (some even have advanced standing if you do certain BSW programs).

Your GPA is great. Apply to a mix. But don't stress prestige—social work is a field where your heart and hustle matter more.