University of California-Santa Barbara vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
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, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo comes out ahead: 96/100 to 90/100, a 6-point edge over University of California-Santa Barbara. 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 $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - $556 more a year, or about $2,224 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median $90,768 against $74,915 at University of California-Santa Barbara. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at University of California-Santa Barbara and 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Santa Barbara owing a median $13,993 versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.33 and 0.34 - 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 | 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 the clearly stronger ROI here (96 vs 90) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University of California-Santa Barbara is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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.