Fairfield vs UC Santa Barbara
How Fairfield and UC Santa Barbara stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Fairfield | UC Santa Barbara | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 33% | 33% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1230-1390 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | CT | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $74,935 | $36,381 |
| Average cost after aid | $46,274 | $17,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- Fairfield and UC Santa Barbara are similarly selective, admitting about 33% and 33% of applicants.
- After aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually the cheaper option ($17,200 versus $46,274 per year on average).
- On testing, Fairfield 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.
Fairfield vs UC Santa Barbara FAQ
Is Fairfield or UC Santa Barbara harder to get into?
Fairfield and UC Santa Barbara are similarly selective, admitting about 33% and 33% of applicants.
Is Fairfield or UC Santa Barbara cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually cheaper, about $17,200 per year on average versus $46,274 at Fairfield.
See your real chances at Fairfield and UC Santa Barbara.
Build my college list