University of California-Santa Barbara vs Santa Barbara City College: which has better ROI?
The verdict
University of California-Santa Barbara has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $64,436 in 2.4 years versus not at all at Santa Barbara City College, on median earnings of $74,915 vs $47,647 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara City College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,109 | $11,315 |
| Total net cost | $64,436 | $22,630 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,915 | $47,647 |
| Median debt | $13,993 | $11,000 |
| Payback | 2.4 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $466,664 | -$36,890 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
University of California-Santa Barbara vs Santa Barbara City College: frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara City College a better value?
University of California-Santa Barbara. It clears its $64,436 net cost in about 2.4 years versus no clear payback at Santa Barbara City College, on median earnings of $74,915 vs $47,647 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara City College?
Santa Barbara City College: $11,315/yr net price after aid versus $16,109/yr at University of California-Santa Barbara — a difference of $4,794 a year, or about $41,806 over four years.
Do University of California-Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara City College graduates earn more?
University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn a median $74,915 ten years after entry, versus $47,647 at Santa Barbara City College — a $27,268 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.