University of San Diego vs University of California-Santa Barbara

San Diego, CA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location San Diego, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 5,671 23,113
Acceptance Rate 52.4% 33.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $59,486 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $59,486 $50,614
Avg Net Price $30,365 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $22,940 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 82.7% 84.3%
Retention Rate 91.4% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,995 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $86,522 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 156100.0% 596200.0%

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

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University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of San Diego and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) has an acceptance rate of 52.4%, in-state tuition of $59,486, and median 10-year earnings of $86,522. 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 San Diego or University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $86,522 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of San Diego 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 $30,365.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 82.7%.

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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