University of California-Santa Barbara vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo holds a 6-point ROI advantage over University of California-Santa Barbara, scoring 96/100 versus 90/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of California-Santa Barbara comes in at $16,109 per year (net price after aid) versus $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - a difference of $556 annually, or roughly $2,224 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median of $90,768 compared to $74,915 at University of California-Santa Barbara. The payback period is 5.1 years at University of California-Santa Barbara versus 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Graduates leave University of California-Santa Barbara with a median $13,993 in debt versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.33 and 0.34 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of California-... | California Polytechnic St... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,414 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,614 | $34,665 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,109 | $16,665 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $64,436 | $66,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,800 | $54,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $74,915 | $90,768 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.0% | 86.4% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $13,993 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $148 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.33 | 0.34 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 79.3% | 91.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 76.0% | 88.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 33.0% | 31.3% |
| Enrollment | 23,113 | 21,996 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Califo... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,231 | $7,529 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,992 | $7,253 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,588 | $9,896 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,136 | $15,786 |
| $110,001+ | $31,863 | $27,772 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Califo... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $149,190 | $154,784 |
| Computer Engineering | $144,703 | $148,950 |
| Electrical Engineering | $117,215 | $125,240 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,336 | $106,750 |
| Statistics | $90,778 | $101,353 |
| Economics | $98,178 | $98,927 |
| Philosophy | $71,796 | $98,592 |
| Physics | $85,219 | $96,805 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $90,694 | $78,097 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $90,061 | $55,807 |
| Mathematics | $85,391 | $83,187 |
| International Relations | $70,384 | $81,843 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $72,976 | $75,223 |
| Chemistry | $74,713 | $63,882 |
| Sociology | $60,013 | $69,883 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Califo... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 92 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 67 | 97 |
| Overall ROI Score | 90 | 96 |
The Verdict
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has a meaningfully higher ROI score (96 vs 90). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if University of California-Santa Barbara offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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University of California-Santa Barbara
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
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.