Worcester Polytechnic Institute vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Worcester, MA — Santa Barbara, CA

Metric
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Location Worcester, MA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 5,447 23,113
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 33.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $60,965 $16,414
Out-of-State Tuition $60,965 $50,614
Avg Net Price $43,071 $16,109
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $13,993
4-Year Graduation Rate 89.1% 84.3%
Retention Rate 93.7% 93.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $85,038 $56,852
Median Earnings (10 yr) $103,470 $74,915
Loan Repayment Rate 130900.0% 596200.0%

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

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Worcester Polytechnic Institute and University of California-Santa Barbara compare?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA) has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, in-state tuition of $60,965, and median 10-year earnings of $103,470. 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, Worcester Polytechnic Institute or University of California-Santa Barbara?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $103,470 vs $74,915. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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 $43,071.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 89.1% 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