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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Santa Barbara are both public institutions — California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, CA and University of California-Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 31.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 21,996
Tuition: $34,665/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.4%
Top programs: Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Luis Obispo, CA with published program strength in Engineering and Business and marketing.
Santa Barbara, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 33.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 23,113
Tuition: $50,614/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 83.0%
Top programs: Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Santa Barbara, CA with published program strength in Social sciences and Psychology.
| Factor | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | University of California-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 31.3% | 33.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 21,996 | 23,113 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $34,665/year | $50,614/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,665 | $16,109 |
| Graduation rate | 86.4% | 83.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $90,768 | $74,915 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (31.3% vs 33.0%). University of California-Santa Barbara has a lower average net price after grant aid ($16,109 vs $16,665). California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reports the higher graduation rate (86.4% vs 83.0%). University of California-Santa Barbara is the larger undergraduate campus (23,113 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of California-Irvine
31.3% vs 28.6% acceptance rate
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of California-San Diego
31.3% vs 26.7% acceptance rate
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs San Diego State University
31.3% vs 36.2% acceptance rate
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of California-Davis
31.3% vs 41.8% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Santa Barbara
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31.3%; University of California-Santa Barbara is around 33.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo tuition is $34,665/year. University of California-Santa Barbara is $50,614/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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