Lafayette vs UC Santa Barbara
How Lafayette and UC Santa Barbara stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Lafayette | UC Santa Barbara | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 31.5% | 33% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1370-1490 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | PA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $90,318 | $36,381 |
| Average cost after aid | $37,061 | $17,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- Lafayette is harder to get into than UC Santa Barbara (31.5% versus 33%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually the cheaper option ($17,200 versus $37,061 per year on average).
- On testing, Lafayette 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.
Lafayette vs UC Santa Barbara FAQ
Is Lafayette or UC Santa Barbara harder to get into?
Lafayette is harder to get into, admitting about 31.5% of applicants versus 33% at UC Santa Barbara.
Is Lafayette or UC Santa Barbara cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually cheaper, about $17,200 per year on average versus $37,061 at Lafayette.
See your real chances at Lafayette and UC Santa Barbara.
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