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University of California-Santa Barbara and University of California-San Diego are both public institutions — University of California-Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA and University of California-San Diego in La Jolla, 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.
La Jolla, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 26.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 34,948
Tuition: $50,958/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.1%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in La Jolla, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Engineering.
| Factor | University of California-Santa Barbara | University of California-San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 33.0% | 26.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,113 | 34,948 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,614/year | $50,958/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,109 | $12,470 |
| Graduation rate | 83.0% | 86.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $74,915 | $84,943 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Santa Barbara, CA | La Jolla, CA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics | Biological sciences, Engineering, Social sciences |
University of California-San Diego is more selective (26.7% vs 33.0% acceptance rate). University of California-San Diego has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,470 vs $16,109). University of California-San Diego reports the higher graduation rate (86.1% vs 83.0%). University of California-San Diego is the larger undergraduate campus (34,948 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-Santa Barbara vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
33.0% vs 31.3% acceptance rate
University of California-Santa Barbara vs San Diego State University
33.0% vs 36.2% acceptance rate
University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-Irvine
33.0% vs 28.6% acceptance rate
University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-Davis
33.0% vs 41.8% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of California-Santa Barbara and University of California-San Diego
University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33.0%; University of California-San Diego is around 26.7%. 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. University of California-San Diego is $50,958/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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