Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs UC Santa Barbara

San Luis Obispo, CA · Santa Barbara, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoUC Santa Barbara
Acceptance Rate29.8%27.8%
In-State Tuition$11,075$14,965
Out-of-State Tuition$30,995$45,742
Average Net Price$16,888$15,283
Graduation Rate85.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 29.8% of applicants. UC Santa Barbara accepts 27.8%. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's in-state tuition is $11,075. UC Santa Barbara's is $14,965. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 85% at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 85% at UC Santa Barbara.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo profileUC Santa Barbara profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or UC Santa Barbara?

UC Santa Barbara. It accepts 27.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or UC Santa Barbara more affordable?

UC Santa Barbara, on average. After aid, students pay $15,283/year versus $16,888/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is at 85%; UC Santa Barbara is at 85%.

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 Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs UC Santa Barbara: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax