Grinnell College vs University of California-Santa Barbara
Grinnell, IA — Santa Barbara, CA
| Metric | Grinnell College Grinnell, IA | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Grinnell, IA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Type | Private Nonprofit | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 1,729 | 23,113 |
| Acceptance Rate | 14.5% | 33.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,486 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $68,106 | $16,414 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $68,106 | $50,614 |
| Avg Net Price | $17,648 | $16,109 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 | $13,993 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 87.8% | 84.3% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6% | 93.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $49,004 | $56,852 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,830 | $74,915 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 39400.0% | 596200.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Grinnell College and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?▼
Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA) has an acceptance rate of 14.5%, in-state tuition of $68,106, and median 10-year earnings of $62,830. 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, Grinnell College 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 $62,830. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Grinnell College 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 $17,648.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Grinnell College has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 87.8% vs 84.3%.
More Comparisons
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