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University of California-Davis and University of California-Santa Barbara are both public institutions — University of California-Davis in Davis, 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.
Davis, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 41.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 32,253
Tuition: $50,974/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 85.7%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Social sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Davis, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Social sciences.
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 | University of California-Davis | University of California-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 41.8% | 33.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 32,253 | 23,113 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,974/year | $50,614/year |
| Average net price after aid | $14,741 | $16,109 |
| Graduation rate | 85.7% | 83.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $80,838 | $74,915 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 22.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Davis, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Psychology | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics |
University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective (33.0% vs 41.8% acceptance rate). University of California-Davis has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,741 vs $16,109). University of California-Davis reports the higher graduation rate (85.7% vs 83.0%). University of California-Davis is the larger undergraduate campus (32,253 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.
University of California-Davis vs California State University-Long Beach
41.8% vs 46.3% acceptance rate
University of California-Davis vs San Diego State University
41.8% vs 36.2% acceptance rate
University of California-Davis vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
41.8% vs 31.3% acceptance rate
University of California-Davis vs University of California-Irvine
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Common questions when choosing between University of California-Davis and University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Davis has an acceptance rate of 41.8%; 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.
University of California-Davis tuition is $50,974/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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