Bowdoin College vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Brunswick, ME — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Brunswick, ME Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 1,873 23,113
Acceptance Rate 7.1% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,520
In-State Tuition $67,832 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $67,832 $50,614
Avg Net Price $14,398 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 95.4% 84.3%
Retention Rate 96.8% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $61,692 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $82,735 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 24000.0% 596200.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Bowdoin College and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) has an acceptance rate of 7.1%, in-state tuition of $67,832, and median 10-year earnings of $82,735. University of California-Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) has an acceptance rate of 33.0%, in-state tuition of $16,414, and median 10-year earnings of $74,915.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Bowdoin College or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Bowdoin College graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $82,735 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Bowdoin College or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Bowdoin College is the more affordable option at $14,398 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Bowdoin College has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.4% vs 84.3%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025