University of California-Santa Barbara vs Stanford University

Santa Barbara, CA — Stanford, CA

Metric
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Location Santa Barbara, CA Stanford, CA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 23,113 7,554
Acceptance Rate 33.0% 3.6%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $16,414 $65,910
Out-of-State Tuition $50,614 $65,910
Avg Net Price $16,109 $13,807
Median Debt at Graduation $13,993 $12,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 92.4%
Retention Rate 93.0% 98.2%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $56,852 $102,887
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,915 $124,080
Loan Repayment Rate 596200.0% 62500.0%

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

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

How do University of California-Santa Barbara and Stanford University compare?
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. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, in-state tuition of $65,910, and median 10-year earnings of $124,080.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Barbara or Stanford University?
Stanford University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $124,080 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Barbara or Stanford University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Stanford University is the more affordable option at $13,807 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.4% 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