Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Fort Collins, CO — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Fort Collins, CO Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 25,538 23,113
Acceptance Rate 88.5% 33.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $13,373 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $34,783 $50,614
Avg Net Price $21,279 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $20,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 66.7% 84.3%
Retention Rate 85.9% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,748 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,543 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 769900.0% 596200.0%

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

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Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Fort Collins, CO) has an acceptance rate of 88.5%, in-state tuition of $13,373, and median 10-year earnings of $60,543. 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, Colorado State University-Fort Collins 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 $60,543. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Colorado State University-Fort Collins 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 $21,279.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 66.7%.

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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