College Comparison
UC Santa Barbara vs San Diego State University: 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
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Santa Barbara | San Diego State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 27.8%wins | 34.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,742 | $20,170wins |
| Avg Net Price | $13,825wins | $16,174 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,915wins | $64,909 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3%wins | 78.3% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9%wins | 90.3% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 22:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 23,205 | 33,654wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out San Diego State 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%
San Diego State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,170
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,654
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.