University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of Southern California
University of California-Santa Barbara is a public university in Santa Barbara, CA, and University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. University of Southern California is the more selective of the two, admitting about 10% of applicants against 33% at University of California-Santa Barbara. University of California-Santa Barbara is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,109 a year against $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 84% at University of California-Santa Barbara. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $74,915 for University of California-Santa Barbara.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
23,113
20,443
Acceptance rate
33%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1230–1460
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
28–34
32–35
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,109
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$41,573
$90,300
In-state tuition
$16,414
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$50,614
$72,097
Application fee
$80
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,231
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$9,992
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$12,588
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$17,136
$24,976
Over $110k
$31,863
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
92%
Freshman retention
93%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,852
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,915
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$13,993
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
22%
First-generation students
42%
25%
International students
9%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jan 10
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.
- Is University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- University of Southern California is harder to get into. It admits about 10% of applicants, compared with 33% at University of California-Santa Barbara. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Santa Barbara is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,109 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,740 at University of Southern California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at University of California-Santa Barbara and University of Southern California?
- Before aid, University of California-Santa Barbara costs about $41,573 a year and University of Southern California about $90,300. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Santa Barbara. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,231 there, against about $13,516 at University of Southern California. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Santa Barbara is the larger of the two, with about 23,113 undergraduates against 20,443 at University of Southern California.
- Does University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 84% at University of California-Santa Barbara.
- Do graduates of University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Southern California earn more?
- University of Southern California alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,498 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,915 for University of California-Santa Barbara. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Santa Barbara and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Santa Barbara is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Santa Barbara and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1230–1460 at University of California-Santa Barbara and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-BerkeleyUniversity of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-San DiegoUniversity of Southern California vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of Southern California vs University of California-BerkeleyUniversity of Southern California vs University of California-San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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