College Comparison
USC 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
USC
Los Angeles, CA
School
UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 27.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $45,742wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $13,825wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $74,915 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0%wins | 85.3% |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 91.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817 | 23,205wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, USC edges out UC Santa Barbara 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.0%
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,742
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Total Enrollment: 23,205
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