Clarkson University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Potsdam, NY — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Potsdam, NY Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 2,196 23,113
Acceptance Rate 77.4% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,304
In-State Tuition $59,398 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $59,398 $50,614
Avg Net Price $30,305 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $26,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.3% 84.3%
Retention Rate 84.8% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $76,970 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $89,696 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 141100.0% 596200.0%

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

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Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Clarkson University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY) has an acceptance rate of 77.4%, in-state tuition of $59,398, and median 10-year earnings of $89,696. 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, Clarkson University or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Clarkson University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,696 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Clarkson 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 $30,305.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 74.3%.

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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