Academic Comparison between UCSB and UCSD

University of California-Santa Barbara and University of California-San Diego are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Santa Barbaravs.University of California-San Diego
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaLocationLa Jolla, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,444
Out-Of-State$47,332
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,788
Out-Of-State$47,676
57%% Receiving Financial Aid59%
$20,405Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,806
32.97 %Acceptance Rates26.71 %
13.78 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.41 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate4 %
93 %Retention Rate94 %
26,133Student Population44,256
1,109Number of Faculties3,101
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare