University of Denver vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Denver, CO — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Denver
Denver, CO
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Denver, CO Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 6,025 23,113
Acceptance Rate 77.8% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,355
In-State Tuition $61,398 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $61,398 $50,614
Avg Net Price $36,131 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $21,844 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 76.8% 84.3%
Retention Rate 88.9% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,118 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $71,155 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 148500.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of Denver
Denver, CO
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Denver and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Denver (Denver, CO) has an acceptance rate of 77.8%, in-state tuition of $61,398, and median 10-year earnings of $71,155. 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Denver or University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $74,915 vs $71,155. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Denver or University of California-Santa Barbara?
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 $36,131.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 76.8%.

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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