Fairfield University vs UC Santa Barbara

Fairfield University is the more selective of the two at 33%, versus 33% at UC Santa Barbara. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Fairfield University
Selective
33%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1310
Private · Connecticut
UC Santa Barbara
Selective
33%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1430
Public · California

Fairfield University vs UC Santa Barbara: the differences that matter

How Fairfield University and UC Santa Barbara stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Fairfield University and UC Santa Barbara are almost equally selective (33% vs 33%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Fairfield University leans more on recommendations, interview, alumni / legacy relation, while UC Santa Barbara puts more weight on talent / ability, state residency. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Fairfield University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1310 and UC Santa Barbara's is around 1430. Admitted students at UC Santa Barbara post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorFairfield UniversityUC Santa Barbara
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantimportant
Application essayimportantimportant
Recommendationsimportantconsidered
Extracurricular activitiesimportantimportant
Talent / abilityconsideredimportant
Character / personal qualitiesimportantimportant
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairfield University or UC Santa Barbara harder to get into?

Fairfield University is harder to get into, with a 33% acceptance rate versus 33% at UC Santa Barbara.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Fairfield University and UC Santa Barbara?

Fairfield University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1310, and UC Santa Barbara's is around 1430.

What are my chances at Fairfield University and UC Santa Barbara?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.