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University of California-Santa Cruz and University of California-Santa Barbara are both public institutions — University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, 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.
Santa Cruz, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 65.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 17,940
Tuition: $50,205/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 75.1%
Top programs: Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Santa Cruz, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Biological 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-Santa Cruz | University of California-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 65.8% | 33.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,940 | 23,113 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,205/year | $50,614/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,890 | $16,109 |
| Graduation rate | 75.1% | 83.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,396 | $74,915 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 22.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences | Social sciences, Psychology, Mathematics |
University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective (33.0% vs 65.8% acceptance rate). University of California-Santa Barbara has a lower average net price after grant aid ($16,109 vs $17,890). University of California-Santa Barbara reports the higher graduation rate (83.0% vs 75.1%). 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 Cruz and University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 65.8%; 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-Santa Cruz tuition is $50,205/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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