Mississippi State University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Mississippi State, MS — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Mississippi State, MS Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 18,397 23,113
Acceptance Rate 77.6% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,219
In-State Tuition $10,202 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $27,637 $50,614
Avg Net Price $17,595 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $22,142 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 64.8% 84.3%
Retention Rate 82.5% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $43,487 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $51,513 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 590000.0% 596200.0%

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

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Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Mississippi State University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS) has an acceptance rate of 77.6%, in-state tuition of $10,202, and median 10-year earnings of $51,513. 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, Mississippi 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 $51,513. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Mississippi 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 $17,595.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 64.8%.

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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