UCSB vs. Fresno Pacific University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA with Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Santa Barbara is larger than Fresno Pacific University based on total student enrollment (26,133 students vs. 2,879 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Fresno Pacific University is in Fresno, CA (Large City setting).
• University of California Santa Barbara is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fresno Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Santa Barbara 17:1; Fresno Pacific University 10:1.

UCSB vs. Fresno Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCSB or Fresno Pacific University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fresno Pacific University than UCSB ($15,261 vs. $17,658).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fresno Pacific University are 49.7% lower than at University of California Santa Barbara ($10,210 vs. $20,279).
• Fresno Pacific University is 123.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSB (about $20,246 more per year; $36,660.00 vs. $16,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at UCSB than at Fresno Pacific University (about $13,954 more per year; $50,614.00 vs. $36,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fresno Pacific University than at University of California Santa Barbara (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fresno Pacific University students is 19.9% larger than aid received by University of California Santa Barbara students ($29,616 vs. $24,695).

UCSB vs. Fresno Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSB or Fresno Pacific University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fresno Pacific University and UCSB.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Santa Barbara (1350) is 240 points higher than at Fresno Pacific University (1110).
• Incoming UCSB students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 20 at Fresno Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Santa Barbara 1230/1460; Fresno Pacific University 970/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Santa Barbara 28/34; Fresno Pacific University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSB - Test-free; Fresno Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSB Nov 30, 2026; Fresno Pacific University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCSB students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Fresno Pacific University (3.54).
• Fresno Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (64.1%) than UCSB (33%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at UCSB vs. 17.3% at Fresno Pacific University.

UCSB vs. Fresno Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSB and Fresno Pacific University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of California Santa Barbara's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Fresno Pacific University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of California Santa Barbara earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Fresno Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Santa Barbara graduates have a $5,049 lower median loan debt than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($16,451 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UCSB graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fresno Pacific University graduates ($170 vs. $222).
• More UCSB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fresno Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.