Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of California-Santa Barbara

New Brunswick, NJ — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location New Brunswick, NJ Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 37,751 23,113
Acceptance Rate 58.1% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,410
In-State Tuition $17,929 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $37,441 $50,614
Avg Net Price $24,406 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 84.3%
Retention Rate 93.0% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $61,263 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,479 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 1636000.0% 596200.0%

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

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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ) has an acceptance rate of 58.1%, in-state tuition of $17,929, and median 10-year earnings of $74,479. 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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 $74,479. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 $24,406.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 84.3%.

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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