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AdmissionsOS

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo University of California-Santa Barbara
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 31% 33%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $16,665 $16,109
Sticker cost of attendance $32,265 $41,573
Graduation rate 86% 83%
Retention rate 96% 93%
Undergraduates 21,996 23,113
Student-faculty ratio 19:1 17:1
Setting San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $80
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Common questions

Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Santa Barbara harder to get into?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is more selective, with a 31% acceptance rate versus 33% at University of California-Santa Barbara. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of California-Santa Barbara has the lower average net price ($16,109 versus $16,665). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.