College Comparison
MIT 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
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 27.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156 | $45,742wins |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813 | $13,825wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $74,915 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1%wins | 85.3% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 91.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 23,205wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out UC Santa Barbara 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.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $143,372
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.1%
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,742
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Total Enrollment: 23,205
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