College Comparison
UC Santa Barbara vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: 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 South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Santa Barbara | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 27.8%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1180–1380wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,742 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $13,825wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,915wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 23,205 | 28,113wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Santa Barbara edges out South Carolina 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%
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1180–1380
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,113
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