Occidental College vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Los Angeles, CA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Los Angeles, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 1,877 23,113
Acceptance Rate 44.2% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,452
In-State Tuition $66,274 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $66,274 $50,614
Avg Net Price $38,263 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $23,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.0% 84.3%
Retention Rate 89.8% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $52,209 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $75,951 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 52400.0% 596200.0%

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

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Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Occidental College and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Occidental College (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 44.2%, in-state tuition of $66,274, and median 10-year earnings of $75,951. 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, Occidental College or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Occidental College graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $75,951 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Occidental 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 $38,263.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 83.0%.

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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