Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of California-Santa Barbara
Blacksburg, VA — Santa Barbara, CA
| Metric | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Blacksburg, VA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 30,923 | 23,113 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54.8% | 33.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,364 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $15,948 | $16,414 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $37,764 | $50,614 |
| Avg Net Price | $24,953 | $16,109 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 | $13,993 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 86.3% | 84.3% |
| Retention Rate | 93.1% | 93.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $67,377 | $56,852 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,698 | $74,915 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 661700.0% | 596200.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or University of California-Santa Barbara?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,698 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 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 $24,953.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.3% vs 84.3%.
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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