University of Illinois Chicago vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Chicago, IL — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Chicago, IL Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 22,170 23,113
Acceptance Rate 77.3% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,250
In-State Tuition $14,338 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $29,884 $50,614
Avg Net Price $10,974 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $16,704 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 61.0% 84.3%
Retention Rate 80.2% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $53,218 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,740 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 650300.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Chicago and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago, IL) has an acceptance rate of 77.3%, in-state tuition of $14,338, and median 10-year earnings of $68,740. 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 Illinois Chicago 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 $68,740. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Chicago or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Illinois Chicago is the more affordable option at $10,974 per year versus $16,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 61.0%.

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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