Academic Comparison between UCSB and Cal Poly

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

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 Cal Poly ($33,230).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than UCSB.
  • UCSB has more students with 26,133 students while Cal Poly has 23,069 students.
  • UCSB has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UCSB has more full-time faculties with 1,109 faculties while Cal Poly has 931 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Santa Barbaravs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$15,444
Out-Of-State$47,332
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
57%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$20,405Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,264
32.97 %Acceptance Rates31.32 %
13.78 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.61 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
93 %Retention Rate96 %
26,133Student Population23,069
1,109Number of Faculties931
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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