University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of Pennsylvania

Santa Barbara, CA — Philadelphia, PA

Metric
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Location Santa Barbara, CA Philadelphia, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 23,113 10,650
Acceptance Rate 33.0% 5.4%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $16,414 $68,686
Out-of-State Tuition $50,614 $68,686
Avg Net Price $16,109 $28,699
Median Debt at Graduation $13,993 $15,715
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 96.7%
Retention Rate 93.0% 98.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $56,852 $90,555
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,915 $111,371
Loan Repayment Rate 596200.0% 202200.0%

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 Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Santa Barbara and University of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,686, and median 10-year earnings of $111,371.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Barbara or University of Pennsylvania?
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 $28,699.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.7% 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