The University of Utah

The University of Utah is incredibly beautiful. I wish my photographic skills could do it justice. It is home to about 26,000 students, is a R1 research institution, and offers a wide variety of majors from Urban Ecology to Mechanical Engineering. It's also great for the health sciences, with a 425-bed hospital on campus. The nursing program also admits as pre-nursing, and offers a BS in Geriatric Nursing Leadership. Somewhat selective, the average admitted student has a 3.6 GPA and test scores are optional. Best of all for my California students, Utah offers WUE for students with a GPA over 3.3. The University of Utah offers a variety of Living Learning Communities, however these fill up quickly so it's best to apply early. Most students are admitted pre-major, and there is no portfolio required to apply to the architecture program.
The campus is in Salt Lake City, a remarkably clean and spacious city. Californians should be aware that many stores are closed on Sunday and the elevation is 4500. The University of Utah is considered an island of diversity in a mostly conservative, religious city. The people we met were all very friendly and the university wants Californians!