Academic Comparison between Purdue and UCSB

Purdue University-Main Campus and University of California-Santa Barbara are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN and UCSB is located in Santa Barbara, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UCSB has more expensive tuition & fees ($47,332) than Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSB than Purdue.
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while UCSB has 26,133 students.
  • Purdue has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while UCSB's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Purdue has more full-time faculties with 2,107 faculties while UCSB has 1,109 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.University of California-Santa Barbara
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationSanta Barbara, 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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,444
Out-Of-State$47,332
43%% Receiving Financial Aid57%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,405
49.87 %Acceptance Rates32.97 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.78 %
1,350SAT Score-
31ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate93 %
58,658Student Population26,133
2,107Number of Faculties1,109
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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
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