Clemson University vs University of California-Santa Barbara
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of California-Santa Barbara comes out ahead: 90/100 to 86/100, a 4-point edge over Clemson University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of California-Santa Barbara runs $16,109 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University - $6,144 more a year, or about $24,576 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn a median $74,915 against $71,513 at Clemson University. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at Clemson University and 5.1 years at University of California-Santa Barbara.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Santa Barbara owing a median $13,993 versus $21,500 at Clemson University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.33 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Clemson University | University of California-... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,554 | $16,414 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,866 | $50,614 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,253 | $16,109 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,012 | $64,436 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $42,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,513 | $74,915 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.6% | 83.0% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 5.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $13,993 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $148 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.33 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 79.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 82.2% | 76.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 38.3% | 33.0% |
| Enrollment | 23,300 | 23,113 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Clemson University | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,607 | $9,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,109 | $9,992 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,851 | $12,588 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,833 | $17,136 |
| $110,001+ | $27,922 | $31,863 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Clemson University | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $102,762 | $144,703 |
| Electrical Engineering | $96,446 | $117,215 |
| Chemical Engineering | $92,098 | $113,317 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,028 | $104,336 |
| Economics | $79,468 | $98,178 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $60,988 | $90,694 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $81,526 | $90,061 |
| Mathematics | $82,450 | $85,391 |
| Chemistry | $67,996 | $74,713 |
| Romance Languages | $70,584 | $68,496 |
| International Relations | $64,822 | $70,384 |
| Biology | $65,577 | $64,520 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $40,266 | $63,628 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $52,044 | $61,580 |
| Sociology | $54,780 | $60,013 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Clemson University | University of Califo... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 94 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 93 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 91 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 67 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 90 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of California-Santa Barbara edges out Clemson University by 4 points (90 vs 86), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Clemson University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of California-Santa Barbara
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.