UCSB vs. USAFA

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA with United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of California Santa Barbara is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (26,133 students vs. 4,114 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); United States Air Force Academy is in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting).
• University of California Santa Barbara is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Santa Barbara 17:1; United States Air Force Academy 7:1.

UCSB vs. USAFA Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between University of California Santa Barbara and USAFA ($16,414.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UCSB and United States Air Force Academy ($50,614.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of California Santa Barbara than at United States Air Force Academy (53% vs. 0%).

UCSB vs. USAFA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSB or USAFA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USAFA and UCSB.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of California Santa Barbara (1350) is 10 points higher than at USAFA (1340).
• Incoming UCSB students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 29 at USAFA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of California Santa Barbara 1230/1460; United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of California Santa Barbara 28/34; United States Air Force Academy 26/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSB - Test-free; USAFA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSB Nov 30, 2026; USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman UCSB students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at USAFA (3.81).
• UCSB has a higher acceptance rate (33%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at UCSB vs. 78.5% at USAFA.

UCSB vs. USAFA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSB and USAFA? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of California Santa Barbara's six-year graduation rate is 80%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for USAFA.
• Graduates from University of California Santa Barbara have median earnings of about $59,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for USAFA.

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.