Kansas State University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Manhattan, KS — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Manhattan, KS Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 15,142 23,113
Acceptance Rate 81.7% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,151
In-State Tuition $11,221 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $28,568 $50,614
Avg Net Price $19,406 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $21,250 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 70.8% 84.3%
Retention Rate 85.6% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,330 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $57,262 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 746100.0% 596200.0%

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

Full Profile
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Kansas State University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) has an acceptance rate of 81.7%, in-state tuition of $11,221, and median 10-year earnings of $57,262. 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, Kansas State 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 $57,262. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Kansas State 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 $19,406.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 70.8%.

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