Academic Comparison between UCSB and PU

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

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

University of California-Santa Barbaravs.Purdue University-Main Campus
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaLocationWest Lafayette, Indiana
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$14,965
Out-Of-State$45,742
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
61%% Receiving Financial Aid45%
$19,654Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,819
27.78 %Acceptance Rates50.30 %
16.37 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)25.52 %
-SAT Score1,320
-ACT Score31
85 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
92 %Retention Rate90 %
26,420Student Population51,528
1,097Number of Faculties2,039
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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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