University of Puget Sound vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Tacoma, WA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Tacoma, WA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 1,594 23,113
Acceptance Rate 72.3% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,296
In-State Tuition $62,898 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $62,898 $50,614
Avg Net Price $38,394 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 68.0% 84.3%
Retention Rate 84.0% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $46,802 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $69,594 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 89400.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Puget Sound and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA) has an acceptance rate of 72.3%, in-state tuition of $62,898, and median 10-year earnings of $69,594. 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 Puget Sound 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 $69,594. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Puget Sound 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 $38,394.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 68.0%.

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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