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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