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University of California-Santa Barbara vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2

University of California-Santa Barbara

5

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric University of California-Santa Barbara University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Winner
Acceptance Rate 28% 19% University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduation Rate 86% 92% University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Avg Earnings (5yr) $56,852 $57,057 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Median Debt $13,993 $14,000 University of California-Santa Barbara
Tuition (In-State) $14,965 $8,989 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Retention Rate 92% 97% University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Financial Aid 20% 18% University of California-Santa Barbara

Comparison Analysis

Graduates of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earn slightly more than those from the University of California-Santa Barbara, with earnings of $57,057 compared to $56,852. UNC-Chapel Hill has a higher graduation rate, at 91.7%, versus UCSB's 85.5%. UCSB has a higher acceptance rate at 27.8%, while UNC-Chapel Hill's is 18.7%.

Tuition at UNC-Chapel Hill is significantly lower, costing $8,989 compared to UCSB's $14,965.

Overall, UNC-Chapel Hill offers a better value proposition due to its lower tuition and higher graduation rate, despite the slightly lower earnings. Students prioritizing cost and graduation outcomes may favor UNC-Chapel Hill, while those prioritizing acceptance rates may prefer UCSB.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major University of California-Santa Barbara Earnings University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Earnings Difference
Communication and Media Studies $46,598 $43,348 7% favor University of California-Santa Barbara
Economics $66,334 $65,344 2% favor University of California-Santa Barbara
Biology, General $33,486 $33,471 0% favor University of California-Santa Barbara
Sociology $34,372 $30,623 12% favor University of California-Santa Barbara
Sociology $34,372 $0
Sociology $34,372 $0
Sociology $34,372 $0
Economics $66,334 $0
Economics $66,334 $0
Economics $66,334 $0

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Santa Barbara, CA
Setting Suburban
Students 23,205
Type Public
Location Chapel Hill, NC
Setting City
Students 20,556

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

University of California-Santa Barbara has median earnings of $56,852 and tuition of $14,965. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has median earnings of $57,057 and tuition of $8,989. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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