San Francisco State University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

San Francisco, CA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location San Francisco, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 18,639 23,113
Acceptance Rate 96.4% 33.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $7,950 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $20,550 $50,614
Avg Net Price $12,278 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $15,371 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 50.3% 84.3%
Retention Rate 82.7% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $52,650 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,077 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 846800.0% 596200.0%

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

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San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do San Francisco State University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
San Francisco State University (San Francisco, CA) has an acceptance rate of 96.4%, in-state tuition of $7,950, and median 10-year earnings of $68,077. 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, San Francisco 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 $68,077. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, San Francisco State University or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), San Francisco State University is the more affordable option at $12,278 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 50.3%.

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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