Texas State University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

San Marcos, TX — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location San Marcos, TX Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,177 23,113
Acceptance Rate 89.3% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,103
In-State Tuition $11,450 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $22,930 $50,614
Avg Net Price $16,805 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $21,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 55.7% 84.3%
Retention Rate 80.1% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $46,716 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $56,906 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 1237700.0% 596200.0%

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

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Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Texas State University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Texas State University (San Marcos, TX) has an acceptance rate of 89.3%, in-state tuition of $11,450, and median 10-year earnings of $56,906. 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, Texas 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 $56,906. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Texas 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 $16,805.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 55.7%.

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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