University of California-Davis vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Davis, CA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Davis, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 32,253 23,113
Acceptance Rate 41.8% 33.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $16,774 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $50,974 $50,614
Avg Net Price $14,741 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $13,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.4% 84.3%
Retention Rate 92.8% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $58,461 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $80,838 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 804400.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of California-Davis
Davis, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Davis and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of California-Davis (Davis, CA) has an acceptance rate of 41.8%, in-state tuition of $16,774, and median 10-year earnings of $80,838. 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, University of California-Davis or University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Davis graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $80,838 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Davis or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Davis is the more affordable option at $14,741 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Davis has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.4% 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