Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Pitzer College vs UC Santa Barbara

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

Pitzer CollegeUC Santa Barbara
Acceptance Rate16.7%27.8%
In-State Tuition$62,692$14,965
Out-of-State Tuition$62,692$45,742
Average Net Price$17,752$15,283
Graduation Rate83.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

Pitzer College accepts 16.7% of applicants. UC Santa Barbara accepts 27.8%. Pitzer College's tuition is $62,692. UC Santa Barbara's is $14,965. That's a $47,727 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 83% at Pitzer College, 85% at UC Santa Barbara.

Bottom Line

UC Santa Barbara is public; Pitzer College 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 →Pitzer College profileUC Santa Barbara profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Pitzer College or UC Santa Barbara?

Pitzer College. It accepts 16.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Pitzer College or UC Santa Barbara more affordable?

UC Santa Barbara has lower published tuition: $14,965 versus $62,692. 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. Pitzer College 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.

Pitzer College vs UC Santa Barbara: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax