College Comparison
UC Santa Barbara vs The University of Alabama: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
School
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Santa Barbara | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 27.8%wins | 75.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1170–1400wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 24–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,742 | $33,200wins |
| Avg Net Price | $13,825wins | $22,150 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,915wins | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3%wins | 73.7% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9%wins | 86.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 23,205 | 32,323wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out Alabama 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.
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 27.8%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,915
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.3%
Alabama Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1170–1400
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,200
- ✓Total Enrollment: 32,323
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