College Comparison
UC Santa Barbara vs UC Irvine: 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
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Santa Barbara | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 27.8% | 25.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,742 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $13,825 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,915 | $80,735wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.3% | 86.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.9% | 93.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 23,205 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Irvine edges out UC Santa Barbara on 7 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
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.6%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,735
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