University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of Georgia

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of California-Santa Barbara and University of Georgia come out about even on financial return. University of California-Santa Barbara scores 90/100 and University of Georgia scores 88/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Georgia runs $13,936 a year against $16,109 at University of California-Santa Barbara - $2,173 more a year, or about $8,692 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at University of California-Santa Barbara and 5.8 years at University of Georgia.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Santa Barbara owing a median $13,993 versus $18,500 at University of Georgia. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.33 and 0.41 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.