University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of California-Los Angeles

Santa Barbara, CA — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location Santa Barbara, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 23,113 33,475
Acceptance Rate 33.0% 9.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $16,414 $15,203
Out-of-State Tuition $50,614 $49,403
Avg Net Price $16,109 $12,548
Median Debt at Graduation $13,993 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 92.6%
Retention Rate 93.0% 97.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $56,852 $59,063
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,915 $82,511
Loan Repayment Rate 596200.0% 748300.0%

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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University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Santa Barbara and University of California-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.0%, in-state tuition of $15,203, and median 10-year earnings of $82,511.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $82,511 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-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $12,548 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.6% 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