University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Santa Barbara
Put any two U.S. colleges side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes — all factual U.S. College Scorecard data. Your real odds and net price depend on your profile, so take the free Matchmaker to see them.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
La Jolla, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Acceptance rate
27%
33%
Admissions
GPA range
3.46–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1480
1230–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
28–34
28–34
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,470
$16,109
Full cost / yr
$38,701
$41,573
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
84%
Freshman retention
94%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,669
$56,852
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,943
$74,915
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 1, 2026
Nov 30
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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