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 Rate24.5%27.8%
In-State Tuition$15,265$14,965
Out-of-State Tuition$46,042$45,742
Average Net Price$13,293$15,283
Graduation Rate88.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

UC San Diego accepts 24.5% of applicants. UC Santa Barbara accepts 27.8%. Tuition is close: $15,265 at UC San Diego, $14,965 at UC Santa Barbara. UC San Diego graduates 88% of students in 6 years. UC Santa Barbara graduates 85%.

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 →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 24.5% 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 $13,293/year versus $15,283/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

UC San Diego: 88% of students finish in 6 years. 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.

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