Head-to-head · 2026
University of California-Davis vs University of California-Santa Barbara
Compare average net price ($14,741 at University of California-Davis; $16,109 at University of California-Santa Barbara), ROI score (13.71 vs 11.63), ten-year median earnings ($80,838 vs $74,915), and admissions selectivity (41.8% acceptance at University of California-Davis; 33% at University of California-Santa Barbara) using federal College Scorecard data. University of California-Davis has a 5-1 metric-level edge. University of California-Davis has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | University of California-Davis | University of California-Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.71 ✓ | 11.63 |
| Avg net price | $14,741 ✓ | $16,109 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $80,838 ✓ | $74,915 |
| Acceptance rate | 41.8% | 33% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 85.7% ✓ | 83% |
| Median debt | $13,000 ✓ | $13,993 |
| Enrollment | 32,253 | 23,113 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of California-Santa Barbara costs $1,368 more per year than University of California-Davis ($16,109 vs $14,741). University of California-Davis graduates report $5,923 higher median earnings after ten years ($80,838 vs $74,915). On EduGradify's model that puts University of California-Davis ahead on projected ROI (13.71 vs 11.63, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of California-Davis) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of California-Davis is selective at 41.8% acceptance versus 33% (selective) at University of California-Santa Barbara.
Frequently asked
University of California-Davis vs University of California-Santa Barbara, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of California-Davis or University of California-Santa Barbara the better value?
University of California-Davis has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.71 vs 11.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of California-Davis is cheaper — average net price $14,741 per year vs $16,109 at University of California-Santa Barbara. The annual difference of $1,368 adds up to about $5,472 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of California-Davis reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $80,838 vs $74,915 at University of California-Santa Barbara. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,923.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective at 33% acceptance vs 41.8% at University of California-Davis.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of California-Davis reports a A value grade; University of California-Santa Barbara reports A.