University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Amherst, MA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Amherst, MA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 23,671 23,113
Acceptance Rate 59.7% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,423
In-State Tuition $17,772 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $40,449 $50,614
Avg Net Price $22,383 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $22,763 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.2% 84.3%
Retention Rate 91.9% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $60,347 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $71,631 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 893200.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Massachusetts-Amherst and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Amherst, MA) has an acceptance rate of 59.7%, in-state tuition of $17,772, and median 10-year earnings of $71,631. 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 Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $71,631. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $22,383.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 83.2%.

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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