Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UC San Diego vs UC Santa Barbara

La Jolla, CA · Santa Barbara, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

UC San DiegoUC Santa Barbara
Acceptance Rate26.7%33.0%
In-State Tuition$16,758$16,414
Out-of-State Tuition$50,958$50,614
Average Net Price$14,047$17,658
Graduation Rate86.0%83.0%
Total Enrollment44,25626,133
Student-Faculty Ratio1917

GradFax Analysis

UC San Diego accepts 26.7% of applicants. UC Santa Barbara accepts 33.0%. Tuition is close: $16,758 at UC San Diego, $16,414 at UC Santa Barbara. UC San Diego graduates 86% of students in 6 years. UC Santa Barbara graduates 83%.

Bottom Line

After aid, the average student pays $14,047/year at UC San Diego and $17,658/year at UC Santa Barbara. UC San Diego is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UC San Diego profileUC Santa Barbara profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, UC San Diego or UC Santa Barbara?

UC San Diego. It accepts 26.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UC San Diego or UC Santa Barbara more affordable?

UC San Diego, on average. After aid, students pay $14,047/year versus $17,658/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC San Diego: 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.