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 Rate26.0%27.8%
In-State Tuition$56,724$14,965
Out-of-State Tuition$56,724$45,742
Average Net Price$40,863$15,283
Graduation Rate64.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Institute of the Arts accepts 26.0% of applicants. UC Santa Barbara accepts 27.8%. California Institute of the Arts's tuition is $56,724. UC Santa Barbara's is $14,965. That's a $41,759 difference per year. California Institute of the Arts graduates 64% of students in 6 years. UC Santa Barbara graduates 85%.

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.

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 26.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

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

UC Santa Barbara has lower published tuition: $14,965 versus $56,724. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC Santa Barbara: 85% of students finish in 6 years. California Institute of the Arts is at 64%.

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.

California Institute of the Arts vs UC Santa Barbara: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax