University of California-Santa Barbara vs Northeastern University Oakland: which has better ROI?
Northeastern University Oakland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,724 in 2.3 years versus 2.4 years at University of California-Santa Barbara, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $74,915 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Santa Barbara | Northeastern University Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,109 | $25,181 |
| Total net cost | $64,436 | $100,724 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,915 | $92,538 |
| Median debt | $13,993 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 2.4 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $466,664 | $782,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland?
University of California-Santa Barbara, at $16,109 a year after aid versus $25,181 — a gap of $9,072 a year, or $36,288 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates report a median $92,538 ten years after entry, $17,623 more than the $74,915 at University of California-Santa Barbara. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland?
University of California-Santa Barbara: its completers carry a median $13,993 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Northeastern University Oakland, a difference of $10,257. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.