Brandeis University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Waltham, MA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Waltham, MA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 3,618 23,113
Acceptance Rate 40.5% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,462
In-State Tuition $68,080 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $68,080 $50,614
Avg Net Price $35,736 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $25,648 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.1% 84.3%
Retention Rate 87.0% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $52,967 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $77,231 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 104500.0% 596200.0%

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

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Brandeis University
Waltham, MA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Brandeis University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) has an acceptance rate of 40.5%, in-state tuition of $68,080, and median 10-year earnings of $77,231. 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, Brandeis University or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Brandeis University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $77,231 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Brandeis University or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Santa Barbara is the more affordable option at $16,109 per year versus $35,736.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Brandeis University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.1% 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