UC Santa Barbara vs San Diego State University
UC Santa Barbara is significantly more selective with a 25.85% acceptance rate compared to SDSU's 39.26%, making UCSB the more competitive choice. However, SDSU offers better value for cost-conscious families, with in-state tuition at $8,290 versus UCSB's $14,965. Out-of-state students face $20,170 at SDSU compared to $45,742 at UCSB.
UCSB delivers stronger academic outcomes across key metrics. Its 85.30% six-year graduation rate surpasses SDSU's 78.30%, while UCSB graduates earn a median salary of $74,915 after ten years compared to $64,909 for SDSU alumni. UCSB also maintains a better student-faculty ratio of 17:1 versus SDSU's 22:1, allowing for more personalized attention. Both schools show similar retention rates, with UCSB at 91.91% and SDSU at 90.32%.
UCSB's smaller enrollment of 23,205 students creates a more intimate campus environment compared to SDSU's 33,654 students. UCSB is particularly strong in engineering, physics, and environmental sciences, while SDSU excels in business, communications, and public health programs. Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Student debt levels remain manageable at both institutions, with UCSB graduates carrying $13,993 in median debt and SDSU graduates $15,000. The average net price favors UCSB at $13,825 compared to SDSU's $16,174, despite higher sticker prices.
UCSB suits academically driven students seeking research opportunities and higher earning potential, while SDSU appeals to students prioritizing affordability and a larger campus community with diverse program offerings.
UC Santa Barbara is significantly more selective with a 25.85% acceptance rate compared to SDSU's 39.26%, making UCSB the more competitive choice. However, SDSU offers better value for cost-conscious families, with in-state tuition at $8,290 versus UCSB's $14,965. Out-of-state students face $20,170 at SDSU compared to $45,742 at UCSB.
UCSB delivers stronger academic outcomes across key metrics. Its 85.30% six-year graduation rate surpasses SDSU's 78.30%, while UCSB graduates earn a median salary of $74,915 after ten years compared to $64,909 for SDSU alumni. UCSB also maintains a better student-faculty ratio of 17:1 versus SDSU's 22:1, allowing for more personalized attention. Both schools show similar retention rates, with UCSB at 91.91% and SDSU at 90.32%.
UCSB's smaller enrollment of 23,205 students creates a more intimate campus environment compared to SDSU's 33,654 students. UCSB is particularly strong in engineering, physics, and environmental sciences, while SDSU excels in business, communications, and public health programs. Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics.
Student debt levels remain manageable at both institutions, with UCSB graduates carrying $13,993 in median debt and SDSU graduates $15,000. The average net price favors UCSB at $13,825 compared to SDSU's $16,174, despite higher sticker prices.
UCSB suits academically driven students seeking research opportunities and higher earning potential, while SDSU appeals to students prioritizing affordability and a larger campus community with diverse program offerings.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of California-Santa Barbara | San Diego State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 25.9% | 39.3% |
| Enrollment | 23,205 | 33,654 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,965 | $8,290 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $45,742 | $20,170 |
| Net Price | $13,825 | $16,174 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.3% | 78.3% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9% | 90.3% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $74,915 | $64,909 |
| Median Debt | $13,993 | $15,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of California-Santa Barbara | San Diego State University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $81,554 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $87,377 |
| Computer Engineering. | $76,773 | Construction Engineering Technologies. | $72,231 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,134 | Computer Engineering. | $70,456 |
| Economics. | $60,790 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $69,757 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $60,452 | Computer Science. | $66,318 |