Oberlin vs UC Santa Barbara
How Oberlin and UC Santa Barbara stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Oberlin | UC Santa Barbara | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 34% | 33% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1360-1520 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | OH | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $90,692 | $36,381 |
| Average cost after aid | $37,377 | $17,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- UC Santa Barbara is harder to get into than Oberlin (33% versus 34%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually the cheaper option ($17,200 versus $37,377 per year on average).
- On testing, Oberlin 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.
Oberlin vs UC Santa Barbara FAQ
Is Oberlin or UC Santa Barbara harder to get into?
UC Santa Barbara is harder to get into, admitting about 33% of applicants versus 34% at Oberlin.
Is Oberlin or UC Santa Barbara cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Santa Barbara is usually cheaper, about $17,200 per year on average versus $37,377 at Oberlin.
See your real chances at Oberlin and UC Santa Barbara.
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