Academic Comparison between PU 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. PU 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 ($45,742) than PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSB than PU.
  • PU has more students with 51,528 students while UCSB has 26,420 students.
  • PU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while UCSB's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • PU has more full-time faculties with 2,039 faculties while UCSB has 1,097 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
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,965
Out-Of-State$45,742
45%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$9,819Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,654
50.30 %Acceptance Rates27.78 %
25.52 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.37 %
1,320SAT Score-
31ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate85 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate92 %
51,528Student Population26,420
2,039Number of Faculties1,097
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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