College Comparison
UC San Diego vs UC Santa Barbara: 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 San Diego
La Jolla, CA
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC San Diego | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 24.5%wins | 27.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $46,042 | $45,742wins |
| Avg Net Price | $11,750wins | $13,825 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $84,943wins | $74,915 |
| Graduation Rate | 87.6%wins | 85.3% |
| Retention Rate | 93.9%wins | 91.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 17:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,787wins | 23,205 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC San Diego edges out UC Santa Barbara 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 San Diego Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 24.5%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,943
- ✓Graduation Rate: 87.6%
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,742
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Want a deeper comparison?
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