University of Nevada-Reno vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Reno, NV — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Reno, NV Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 15,599 23,113
Acceptance Rate 73.7% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,132
In-State Tuition $9,578 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $27,720 $50,614
Avg Net Price $15,927 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $18,922 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 61.8% 84.3%
Retention Rate 79.7% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,182 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,614 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 395800.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Nevada-Reno and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Nevada-Reno (Reno, NV) has an acceptance rate of 73.7%, in-state tuition of $9,578, and median 10-year earnings of $60,614. 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 Nevada-Reno 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 $60,614. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Nevada-Reno or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Nevada-Reno is the more affordable option at $15,927 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 61.8%.

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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