College comparison

Clemson vs UC Santa Barbara

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Clemson Clemson, SC	UC Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA
Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Santa Barbara is more selective	38%	33%
SAT (25–75)	1240–1410	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	23,300	23,113
Avg net price	$22,253	$16,109
Median earnings (10 yr)UC Santa Barbara reports higher median earnings	$71,513	$74,915
Graduation rate	87%	83%
Median debt	$21,500	$13,993
Economic mobility	1.2%	3.1%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Clemson University or University of California-Santa Barbara harder to get into?

University of California-Santa Barbara is more selective: Clemson University's acceptance rate is approximately 38% and University of California-Santa Barbara's is approximately 33% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Clemson University vs University of California-Santa Barbara?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1240–1410 at Clemson University and — at University of California-Santa Barbara. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.