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AdmissionsOS

San Diego State University vs University of California-Santa Barbara

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

San Diego State University University of California-Santa Barbara
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 36% 33%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $15,364 $16,109
Sticker cost of attendance $27,780 $41,573
Graduation rate 76% 83%
Retention rate 91% 93%
Undergraduates 35,377 23,113
Student-faculty ratio 27:1 17:1
Setting San Diego, 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 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is San Diego State University or University of California-Santa Barbara harder to get into?

University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective, with a 33% acceptance rate versus 36% at San Diego State University. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, San Diego State University or University of California-Santa Barbara?

San Diego State University has the lower average net price ($15,364 versus $16,109). 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.