Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Institute of the Arts vs UC Santa Barbara

Valencia, CA · Santa Barbara, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

California Institute of the ArtsUC Santa Barbara
Acceptance Rate32.3%33.0%
In-State Tuition$58,996$16,414
Out-of-State Tuition$58,996$50,614
Average Net Price$56,239$17,658
Graduation Rate67.0%83.0%
Total Enrollment1,27726,133
Student-Faculty Ratio717

GradFax Analysis

Both are competitive to get into. California Institute of the Arts accepts 32.3% of applicants; UC Santa Barbara accepts 33.0%. California Institute of the Arts's tuition is $58,996. UC Santa Barbara's is $16,414. That's a $42,582 difference per year. California Institute of the Arts graduates 67% of students in 6 years. UC Santa Barbara graduates 83%.

Bottom Line

UC Santa Barbara is public; California Institute of the Arts is private. If you're an in-state student, UC Santa Barbara will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

After aid, the average student pays $56,239/year at California Institute of the Arts and $17,658/year at UC Santa Barbara. UC Santa Barbara is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Institute of the Arts profileUC Santa Barbara profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, California Institute of the Arts or UC Santa Barbara?

California Institute of the Arts. It accepts 32.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is California Institute of the Arts or UC Santa Barbara more affordable?

UC Santa Barbara, on average. After aid, students pay $17,658/year versus $56,239/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC Santa Barbara: 83% of students finish in 6 years. California Institute of the Arts is at 67%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.