College Comparison
UC Santa Barbara vs University of Kentucky: 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
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Santa Barbara | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 27.8%wins | 92.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1080–1290wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 21–28 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,742 | $33,406wins |
| Avg Net Price | $13,825wins | $17,218 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,915wins | $59,025 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3%wins | 69.9% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9%wins | 86.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 23,205wins | 23,189 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out University of Kentucky on 6 of 8 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%
University of Kentucky Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1080–1290
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,406
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