The University of Texas at Austin vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Austin, TX — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Austin, TX Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,855 23,113
Acceptance Rate 26.6% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,395
In-State Tuition $11,688 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $44,908 $50,614
Avg Net Price $19,857 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 88.3% 84.3%
Retention Rate 96.7% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,896 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $75,121 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 1076700.0% 596200.0%

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

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The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do The University of Texas at Austin and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) has an acceptance rate of 26.6%, in-state tuition of $11,688, and median 10-year earnings of $75,121. 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, The University of Texas at Austin or University of California-Santa Barbara?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $75,121 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin 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 $19,857.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 88.3% 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