University of California-Santa Barbara vs Vanderbilt University

Santa Barbara, CA — Nashville, TN

Metric
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Location Santa Barbara, CA Nashville, TN
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 23,113 7,208
Acceptance Rate 33.0% 5.9%
SAT Average 1,549
In-State Tuition $16,414 $67,498
Out-of-State Tuition $50,614 $67,498
Avg Net Price $16,109 $15,846
Median Debt at Graduation $13,993 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 93.1%
Retention Rate 93.0% 96.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $56,852 $73,909
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,915 $91,565
Loan Repayment Rate 596200.0% 84500.0%

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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Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Santa Barbara and Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, in-state tuition of $67,498, and median 10-year earnings of $91,565.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Barbara or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $91,565 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Barbara or Vanderbilt University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Vanderbilt University is the more affordable option at $15,846 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Vanderbilt University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.1% 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