College Comparison
Texas A&M 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
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Texas A&M | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 63.2% | 27.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1140–1380wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 25–31 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,328wins | $45,742 |
| Avg Net Price | $20,924 | $13,825wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,097 | $74,915wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.8% | 85.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.3%wins | 91.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 17:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 59,099wins | 23,205 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out Texas A&M on 5 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.
Texas A&M Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1140–1380
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,328
- ✓Retention Rate: 94.3%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 59,099
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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