Central Michigan University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Mount Pleasant, MI — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Mount Pleasant, MI Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 10,035 23,113
Acceptance Rate 89.8% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,091
In-State Tuition $14,760 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $14,760 $50,614
Avg Net Price $17,597 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 60.4% 84.3%
Retention Rate 75.4% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $46,567 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $55,874 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 959200.0% 596200.0%

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

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Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Central Michigan University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI) has an acceptance rate of 89.8%, in-state tuition of $14,760, and median 10-year earnings of $55,874. 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, Central Michigan University 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 $55,874. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Central Michigan 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 $17,597.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 60.4%.

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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