University of California-Davis vs University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Davis reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($80,838 vs $74,915). University of California-Davis recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.4 yrs vs 1.8 yrs).
| Measure | University of California-DavisCA | University of California-Santa BarbaraCA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $80,838 | $74,915 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.4 yrs | 1.8 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $14,741 | $16,109 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $41,238 | $41,573 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 69% | 67.1% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 85.7% | 83% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 92.8% | 93% |
| Admission rate | 41.8% | 33% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,000 | $13,993 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 32,253 | 23,113 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | – | – |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of California-Davis or University of California-Santa Barbara a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of California-Davis recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.4 yrs vs 1.8 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of California-Davis or University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Davis's average net price is $14,741 per year and University of California-Santa Barbara's is $16,109 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.