California State University-Los Angeles vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Los Angeles, CA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Los Angeles, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 19,562 23,113
Acceptance Rate 91.3% 33.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $7,160 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $19,760 $50,614
Avg Net Price $3,967 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $13,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 52.8% 84.3%
Retention Rate 71.9% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $45,702 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $59,211 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 569900.0% 596200.0%

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

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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Los Angeles and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211. 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, California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $74,915 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Los Angeles or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 52.8%.

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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