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University of California-Santa Barbara and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo are both public institutions — University of California-Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | University of California-Santa Barbara | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 33.0% | 31.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,113 | 21,996 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,614/year | $34,665/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,109 | $16,665 |
| Graduation rate | 83.0% | 86.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $74,915 | $90,768 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Santa Barbara, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics | Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (33.0% vs 31.3%). 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.
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Common questions when choosing between University of California-Santa Barbara and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33.0%; California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is around 31.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-Santa Barbara tuition is $50,614/year. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $34,665/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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