Clemson University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Clemson, SC — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Clemson, SC Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 23,300 23,113
Acceptance Rate 38.3% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,353
In-State Tuition $15,554 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $40,866 $50,614
Avg Net Price $22,253 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 87.2% 84.3%
Retention Rate 93.5% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $58,311 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $71,513 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 460600.0% 596200.0%

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

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Clemson University
Clemson, SC
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Clemson University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Clemson University (Clemson, SC) has an acceptance rate of 38.3%, in-state tuition of $15,554, and median 10-year earnings of $71,513. 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, Clemson 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 $71,513. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Clemson 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 $22,253.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Clemson University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 87.2% 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