College Comparison
Indiana University 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
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Indiana University | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 80.4% | 27.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1170–1400wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,482wins | $45,742 |
| Avg Net Price | $15,342 | $13,825wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,742 | $74,915wins |
| Graduation Rate | 81.2% | 85.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 90.5% | 91.9%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 17:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 36,571wins | 23,205 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out Indiana University 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.
Indiana University Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1170–1400
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,482
- ✓Total Enrollment: 36,571
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 27.8%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,915
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.3%
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