College Comparison
University of Arizona vs UC Santa Barbara: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | University of Arizona | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 85.7% | 27.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1160–1420wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 21–30 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $41,095wins | $45,742 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,960 | $13,825wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $59,979 | $74,915wins |
| Graduation Rate | 65.9% | 85.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 87.7% | 91.9%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 17:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 40,769wins | 23,205 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out University of Arizona on 6 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
University of Arizona Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1160–1420
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,095
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,769
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 27.8%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,915
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.3%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.