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AdmissionsOS

University of California-Irvine vs University of California-Santa Barbara

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

University of California-Irvine University of California-Santa Barbara
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 29% 33%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $14,251 $16,109
Sticker cost of attendance $38,632 $41,573
Graduation rate 87% 83%
Retention rate 94% 93%
Undergraduates 30,197 23,113
Student-faculty ratio 19:1 17:1
Setting Irvine, CA Santa Barbara, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $80 $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 University of California-Irvine or University of California-Santa Barbara harder to get into?

University of California-Irvine is more selective, with a 29% 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, University of California-Irvine or University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of California-Irvine has the lower average net price ($14,251 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.