University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of California-Santa Barbara

La Crosse, WI — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location La Crosse, WI Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 9,277 23,113
Acceptance Rate 75.5% 33.0%
SAT Average 1,220
In-State Tuition $10,070 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $19,517 $50,614
Avg Net Price $16,210 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $22,500 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 71.1% 84.3%
Retention Rate 86.5% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,626 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,378 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 331800.0% 596200.0%

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

Full Profile
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (La Crosse, WI) has an acceptance rate of 75.5%, in-state tuition of $10,070, and median 10-year earnings of $60,378. 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 Wisconsin-La Crosse 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 $60,378. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 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 $16,210.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 84.3% vs 71.1%.

More Comparisons

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