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 Rate31.3%33.0%
In-State Tuition$13,596$16,414
Out-of-State Tuition$34,665$50,614
Average Net Price$17,453$17,658
Graduation Rate86.0%83.0%
Total Enrollment23,06926,133
Student-Faculty Ratio1917

GradFax Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 31.3% of applicants. UC Santa Barbara accepts 33.0%. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's in-state tuition is $13,596. UC Santa Barbara's is $16,414. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is cheaper. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students in 6 years. UC Santa Barbara graduates 83%.

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?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. It accepts 31.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

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

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, on average. After aid, students pay $17,453/year versus $17,658/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: 86% of students finish in 6 years. UC Santa Barbara is at 83%.

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.