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Head-to-head comparison

University of California-Santa Barbara vs Northeastern University Oakland: which has better ROI?

Public, Santa Barbara CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Oakland CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Santa Barbara, CA

University of California-Santa Barbara

Net price / year
$16,109
Earnings, 10 years
$74,915
Payback
2.4 yrs

Option B Oakland, CA

Northeastern University Oakland

Net price / year
$25,181
Earnings, 10 years
$92,538
Payback
2.3 yrs
The verdict

Northeastern University Oakland has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,724 in 2.3 years versus 2.4 years at University of California-Santa Barbara, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $74,915 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-Santa BarbaraNortheastern University Oakland
Net price / yr$16,109$25,181
Total net cost$64,436$100,724
Median earnings, 10 yrs$74,915$92,538
Median debt$13,993$24,250
Payback2.4 yrs2.3 yrs
20-year net return$466,664$782,836

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland?

University of California-Santa Barbara, at $16,109 a year after aid versus $25,181 — a gap of $9,072 a year, or $36,288 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?

Northeastern University Oakland graduates report a median $92,538 ten years after entry, $17,623 more than the $74,915 at University of California-Santa Barbara. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland?

University of California-Santa Barbara: its completers carry a median $13,993 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Northeastern University Oakland, a difference of $10,257. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

University of California-Santa Barbara vs Northeastern University Oakland: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland a better value?
Northeastern University Oakland. It clears its $100,724 net cost in about 2.3 years versus 2.4 years at University of California-Santa Barbara, on median earnings of $92,538 vs $74,915 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland?
University of California-Santa Barbara: $16,109/yr net price after aid versus $25,181/yr at Northeastern University Oakland — a difference of $9,072 a year, or about $36,288 over four years.
Do University of California-Santa Barbara or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn a median $92,538 ten years after entry, versus $74,915 at University of California-Santa Barbara — a $17,623 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.