University of Arizona vs University of California-Santa Barbara

Side-by-side comparison based on real salary, cost, and graduation data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Metric
University of Arizona
Top program: Mining and Mineral Engineering
95/100
University of California-Santa Barbara
Top program: Computer Science
97/100
Starting Salary
$76,657
$86,276
Listed Price
$29,423
$41,573
What You Pay
$16,674
$16,109
What You'd Really Pay
$73,846
$69,535
Typical Debt
$19,620
$13,993
Graduation Rate
67.5%
83%
Pays for Itself In
1.6 yrs
1.2 yrs
Salary Boost
+156%
+188%
Ahead After 10 Years
$692,724
$793,225
University of Arizona vs University of California-Santa Barbara Comparison
MetricUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of California-Santa Barbara
Starting Salary$76,657$86,276
Listed Price$29,423$41,573
What You Pay$16,674$16,109
What You'd Really Pay$73,846$69,535
Typical Debt$19,620$13,993
Graduation Rate67.5%83%
Pays for Itself In1.6 yrs1.2 yrs
Salary Boost+156%+188%
Ahead After 10 Years$692,724$793,225

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, University of Arizona or University of California-Santa Barbara?

Based on Value Score, University of California-Santa Barbara scores higher at 97/100 for its top program. Compare all metrics including salary, cost, and graduation rate to decide which is the better fit for your major.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of Arizona?

The top-earning program at University of Arizona (Mining and Mineral Engineering) has a median salary of $76,657/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of California-Santa Barbara?

The top-earning program at University of California-Santa Barbara (Computer Science) has a median salary of $86,276/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

How much does University of Arizona cost vs University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of Arizona has a net cost of $16,674/yr vs $16,109/yr at University of California-Santa Barbara. True total cost (including loan interest) is $73,846 vs $69,535.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Comparison shows each school's top-earning bachelor's degree program. Learn about our methodology.