Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and UCSB

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Santa Barbara 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 ($45,742) than Cal Poly ($30,995).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSB than Cal Poly.
  • UCSB has more students with 26,420 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • UCSB has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UCSB has more full-time faculties with 1,097 faculties while Cal Poly has 881 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.University of California-Santa Barbara
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationSanta Barbara, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,965
Out-Of-State$45,742
50%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,654
30.00 %Acceptance Rates28.00 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate85 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate92 %
22,000Student Population26,420
881Number of Faculties1,097
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 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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