UC Riverside vs UCSB

I've been accepted into both UC Riverside and UCSB and I'm having a tough time deciding. Can anyone give their thoughts on how UC Riverside and UCSB compare academically and culturally? Further, which one has better job placement rates?

Congratulations on your acceptances to UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara! Both universities offer excellent academic programs, but there are some differences that might influence your decision.

Academically, UC Santa Barbara is generally regarded as more selective and ranks higher than UC Riverside on various lists. For instance, UCSB has highly-regarded programs in Physics, Environmental Studies, and is renowned for its top-tier research. Meanwhile, UC Riverside stands out for their programs in Business and Psychology, among others.

In terms of culture, UC Riverside tends to be more diverse and commuter-friendly, compared to UCSB which is known for its lively, privileged beach-town community. UC Riverside has more local students and many live off-campus. UCSB, on the other hand, has a higher percentage of students who live in dorms and on-campus apartments. This contributes to a lively on-campus life. The schools' locations also contribute heavily to their cultures, with Riverside being more inland and urban, while Santa Barbara is a smaller beach community.

For job placement, the rates vary by major and it might be helpful to look at the specific department statistics for the programs you're interested in. However, the overall job placement rate for UCSB is slightly higher than that for UC Riverside according to data from College Scorecard.

Bear in mind this decision should also be based on where you believe you'll thrive best. Consider factors like class size, support services, housing, location, and clubs or organizations you're interested in.

Best of luck with your decision!