University of Kansas vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Lawrence, KS — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Lawrence, KS Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 21,217 23,113
Acceptance Rate 93.5% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,190
In-State Tuition $12,102 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $30,432 $50,614
Avg Net Price $18,059 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $21,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 68.8% 84.3%
Retention Rate 86.5% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $51,217 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $61,945 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 702900.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Kansas and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) has an acceptance rate of 93.5%, in-state tuition of $12,102, and median 10-year earnings of $61,945. 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 Kansas 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 $61,945. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Kansas 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 $18,059.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 68.8%.

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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