College Comparison
UC Santa Barbara vs Harvey Mudd College: 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
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Santa Barbara | Harvey Mudd |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 27.8% | 13.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1480–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 34–36 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,742wins | $66,255 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,825wins | $32,492 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,915 | $138,687wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3% | 93.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.9% | 96.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 23,205wins | 915 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Harvey Mudd 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.
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,742
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Total Enrollment: 23,205
Harvey Mudd Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 13.1%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1560
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $138,687
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.8%
Want a deeper comparison?
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