Academic Comparison between UCSB and San Diego State

University of California-Santa Barbara and San Diego State University 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 San Diego State ($20,170).
  • It is harder to admit to UCSB than San Diego State.
  • San Diego State has more students with 37,402 students while UCSB has 26,420 students.
  • UCSB has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • UCSB has more full-time faculties with 1,097 faculties while San Diego State has 954 full-time faculties.
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UCSB San Diego State
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Santa Barbaravs.San Diego State University
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$14,965
Out-Of-State$45,742
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,290
Out-Of-State$20,170
61%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$19,654Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,114
28.00 %Acceptance Rates34.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate78 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
92 %Retention Rate89 %
26,420Student Population37,402
1,097Number of Faculties954
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio25 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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