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California State University-Long Beach and University of California-Santa Barbara are both public institutions — California State University-Long Beach in Long Beach, 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.
Long Beach, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 46.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 35,924
Tuition: $19,950/year
Student-faculty ratio: 23.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Long Beach, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Visual and performing arts.
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 State University-Long Beach | University of California-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 46.3% | 33.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 35,924 | 23,113 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,950/year | $50,614/year |
| Average net price after aid | $10,440 | $16,109 |
| Graduation rate | 68.9% | 83.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,403 | $74,915 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 23.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Long Beach, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Engineering | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics |
University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective (33.0% vs 46.3% acceptance rate). California State University-Long Beach has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,440 vs $16,109). University of California-Santa Barbara reports the higher graduation rate (83.0% vs 68.9%). California State University-Long Beach is the larger undergraduate campus (35,924 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 State University-Long Beach vs University of California-Davis
46.3% vs 41.8% acceptance rate
California State University-Long Beach vs San Diego State University
46.3% vs 36.2% acceptance rate
California State University-Long Beach vs Loyola Marymount University
46.3% vs 45.1% acceptance rate
California State University-Long Beach vs Santa Clara University
46.3% vs 48.0% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between California State University-Long Beach and University of California-Santa Barbara
California State University-Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46.3%; 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 State University-Long Beach tuition is $19,950/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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