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San Diego State University and University of California-Santa Barbara are both public institutions — San Diego State University in San Diego, 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 Diego, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 36.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 35,377
Tuition: $21,328/year
Student-faculty ratio: 27.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Diego, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
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 | San Diego State University | University of California-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 36.2% | 33.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 35,377 | 23,113 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,328/year | $50,614/year |
| Average net price after aid | $15,364 | $16,109 |
| Graduation rate | 76.4% | 83.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,909 | $74,915 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 27.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics |
University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective (33.0% vs 36.2% acceptance rate). San Diego State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($15,364 vs $16,109). University of California-Santa Barbara reports the higher graduation rate (83.0% vs 76.4%). San Diego State University is the larger undergraduate campus (35,377 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.
San Diego State University vs University of California-Davis
36.2% vs 41.8% acceptance rate
San Diego State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
36.2% vs 31.3% acceptance rate
San Diego State University vs University of California-Irvine
36.2% vs 28.6% acceptance rate
San Diego State University vs University of California-San Diego
36.2% vs 26.7% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between San Diego State University and University of California-Santa Barbara
San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36.2%; 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.
San Diego State University tuition is $21,328/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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