University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-Berkeley

Santa Barbara, CA — Berkeley, CA

Metric
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location Santa Barbara, CA Berkeley, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 23,113 33,068
Acceptance Rate 33.0% 11.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $16,414 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $50,614 $50,547
Avg Net Price $16,109 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $13,993 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 92.9%
Retention Rate 93.0% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $56,852 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,915 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 596200.0% 641400.0%

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

Full Profile
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Santa Barbara and University of California-Berkeley 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. University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, in-state tuition of $16,347, and median 10-year earnings of $92,446.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,446 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of California-Berkeley?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Berkeley is the more affordable option at $13,481 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 84.3%.

More Comparisons

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