SDSU vs UCSB: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for San Diego State University and University of California-Santa Barbara, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
SDSU vs UCSB at a glance
SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and UCSB 33% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,243 at SDSU and $16,807 at UCSB. Six-year graduation rates are 78.1% and 83.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and UCSB 33%, so UCSB is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,243 a year at SDSU and $16,807 at UCSB; SDSU costs $3,564 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,258 at SDSU and $9,523 at UCSB.
- 78.1% of students graduate within six years at SDSU, against 83.6% at UCSB.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,494 for SDSU and $82,568 for UCSB; UCSB is $9,074 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $14,500 at SDSU and $11,776 at UCSB.
- SDSU enrolls 35,377 students (large city) and UCSB 23,113 (midsize suburb).
Side by side
SDSU and UCSB in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | SDSU | UCSB |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 36.2% | 33% |
| Applicants | 67,660 | 105,641 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,243 | $16,807 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,180 | $16,989 |
| Tuition, out of state | $25,500 | $54,591 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,045 | $44,833 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,258 | $9,523 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,236 | $10,281 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,413 | $14,181 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $13,498 | $18,954 |
| Over $110,000 | $22,130 | $36,658 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.1% | 83.6% |
| First-year retention | 90.6% | 93% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,494 | $82,568 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,500 | $11,776 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $165 | $134 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 35,377 | 23,113 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Midsize |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
SDSU reports 81 bachelor's programs and UCSB 54; 40 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about SDSU vs UCSB
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into SDSU or UCSB?
UCSB is harder to get into by acceptance rate: SDSU admits 36.2% of applicants and UCSB admits 33%.
Which is cheaper, SDSU or UCSB?
SDSU has the lower average net price after grants: $13,243 a year at SDSU against $16,807 at UCSB. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,258 and $9,523. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do SDSU or UCSB graduates earn more?
UCSB graduates earn more at the median: $73,494 ten years after entry for SDSU and $82,568 for UCSB. Median federal debt at graduation is $14,500 and $11,776.
Which has a higher graduation rate, SDSU or UCSB?
UCSB does: 78.1% of SDSU students graduate within six years, against 83.6% at UCSB.
How big are SDSU and UCSB?
SDSU has 35,377 students in San Diego, CA and UCSB has 23,113 students in Santa Barbara, CA.