Bucknell vs UC Santa Barbara
How Bucknell and UC Santa Barbara stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Bucknell | UC Santa Barbara | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 32% | 33% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1340-1500 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | PA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $87,696 | $36,381 |
| Average cost after aid | $38,486 | $17,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- Bucknell is harder to get into than UC Santa Barbara (32% versus 33%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually the cheaper option ($17,200 versus $38,486 per year on average).
- On testing, Bucknell is test-optional while UC Santa Barbara is test-blind.
- UC Santa Barbara asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Bucknell vs UC Santa Barbara FAQ
Is Bucknell or UC Santa Barbara harder to get into?
Bucknell is harder to get into, admitting about 32% of applicants versus 33% at UC Santa Barbara.
Is Bucknell or UC Santa Barbara cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually cheaper, about $17,200 per year on average versus $38,486 at Bucknell.
See your real chances at Bucknell and UC Santa Barbara.
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