UCSB vs. University of Redlands

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Santa Barbara is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (26,133 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UCSB vs. University of Redlands Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCSB or University of Redlands? 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 University of California Santa Barbara than University of Redlands ($17,658 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 10.2% lower than at University of California Santa Barbara ($18,208 vs. $20,279).
• University of Redlands is 270.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSB (about $44,464 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $16,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at University of Redlands than at University of California Santa Barbara (about $10,264 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $50,614.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at University of California Santa Barbara (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 94.9% larger than aid received by University of California Santa Barbara students ($48,134 vs. $24,695).

UCSB vs. University of Redlands Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSB or University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands and UCSB.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Santa Barbara (1350) is 120 points higher than at University of Redlands (1230).
• Incoming UCSB students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 24 at University of Redlands).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Santa Barbara 1230/1460; University of Redlands 1107/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Santa Barbara 28/34; University of Redlands 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSB - Test-free; University of Redlands - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSB Nov 30, 2026; University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCSB students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at University of Redlands (3.74).
• University of Redlands has a higher acceptance rate (82.7%) than UCSB (33%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at UCSB vs. 15.9% at University of Redlands.

UCSB vs. University of Redlands Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSB and University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands's (70%).
• Graduates from University of California Santa Barbara earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than University of Redlands graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $56,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Santa Barbara graduates have a $12,049 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($16,451 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, UCSB graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($170 vs. $294).
• More UCSB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Redlands students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.