University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a public research university located on the coast of Southern California. UCSB is part of the 10-campus University of California system and is widely recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States.

UCSB offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five schools: the College of Letters and Science, the Graduate Division, the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, the Gervirtz Graduate School of Education, and the College of Engineering. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in the sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

The UC Berkeley and Santa Barbara Gauchos compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Big West Conference. The university offers 20 varsity sports teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming and diving, and track and field. The university’s teams have won numerous conference championships and individual athletes have earned national recognition. The UCSB Gauchos have a strong fan base and school spirit, making athletic events a fun and exciting part of campus life.

UCSB is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the California Nanosystems Institute, the Marine Science Institute, and the Institute for Energy Efficiency. UCSB is highly known for its academic excellence and research innovation.

Location

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is located on a picturesque coastal campus of over 1,000 acres in Santa Barbara County, California. The campus combines modern and traditional architecture and is celebrated for its sustainability—over 55% of undergraduates ride bicycles to campus on any given day, contributing to its reputation as a bike-friendly institution.

Student Cohort

University of California, Santa Barbara, boasts a diverse student population. As of fall 2023, there were approximately 18,620 undergraduate students and 3,065 graduate students, for a total enrollment of around 21,685. UCSB continues to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting its dedication to diversity.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate: UCSB’s most recent freshman acceptance rate was 33.0% for the 2024 class, with 110,266 applicants and 36,347 admitted.
Average GPA: The average high school GPA of admitted freshmen is 4.3, indicating a highly competitive pool.
Application Deadline remains November 30 via the UC system.
Test-Optional: UCSB will not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions or scholarships.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

The student-to-faculty ratio at UCSB is 18:1. 48% of UCSB classes have fewer than 21 students.

Four-year Completion Rate

The first-year retention rate at UCSB is 91%. The four-year graduation rate is 69.90%. The five-year graduation rate is 83.20% and the six-year graduation rate is 85.38%.

UCSB offers over 200 majors, degrees, and credentials, including 90+ undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs.

The College of Letters and Science, the largest, serves 20,000+ undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students across 90 majors, with about 700 faculty members.
The College of Creative Studies, known for its accelerated and research-driven curriculum, enrolls roughly 350 undergraduates across nine majors.

Types of Admission

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a part of the University of California. All applicants apply through the UC application portal with just one application. The application needs to be submitted by 30th November every year.

Application Components

Complete the UC application and add the high school transcripts.
Standardized Test Score: The University of California is test blind. They have a holistic review of the application process.
Essays: The applicants can choose any 4 prompts from the Personal Insight Questions.

Academics

University of California, Santa Barbara comprises three academic divisions: Letters & Science, Creative Studies, and Engineering. The academics offers 90 undergraduate majors, 40 minors, more than 50 graduate degree programs, and Ph.D. programs.

UCSB offers over 200 majors, degrees, and credentials, including 90+ undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs.

The College of Letters and Science, the largest, serves 20,000+ undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students across 90 majors, with about 700 faculty members.

Most Popular Majors
Sociology
Economics
Communications
Research and Experimental Psychology
Biology
International Studies
Environmental Science
Political Science and Government
Statistics
English

College of Engineering: The college offers five engineering programs:

Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

The College of Creative Studies, known for its accelerated and research-driven curriculum, enrolls roughly 350 undergraduates across nine majors.

Art
Biology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Computing
Mathematics
Music Composition
Physics
Writing and Literature

Technology Management Program: The Technology Management Program is a certificate program for undergraduates interested in business principles and entrepreneurship.

Pre-Health: UCSB’s Pre-Health Program offers academic advising, career planning, application help, and internship connections to students interested in medical school or other health careers.

Pre-Law Program: Students applying to law school are assisted by advisors in developing an academic plan. They are also given the chance to connect with internships locally, statewide, and nationally.

Student Research: UCSB’s Faculty Research Assistance Program (FRAP) and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) grants help fund research and other creative activities.

Student Life

Student Organizations: University of California, Santa Barbara students can get involved in more than 500 student organizations. Students can also become a part of the student government and many committees.

UCSB’s Recreation Center: Health and wellness is a large component of student life at UCSB. Through the UCSB Recreation Center, students join sport clubs and intramural sports or take a trip with Adventure Programs.

Cost of Attendance

UCSB 2025–2026 In-State/ Out of State Cost of Attendance (Undergraduate)

The 2025 tuition & fees of the University of California-Santa Barbara are $16,414 for in-state and $50,614 for out-of-state students. UCSB’s tuition & fees have significantly risen this year (more than 10%).

Its tuition & fees are a little bit higher than the average tuition for R1 Universities’ tuition of $42,516 based on out-of-state tuition rate.

Based on last year’s increase rate, the 2026 estimated tuition & fees at UCSB are $18,003 for California residents and $56,005 for out-of-state students, a 10.7% increase compared to 2025’s rate.

UCSB – Tuition & Fees, Net Price

In conclusion, the University of California, Santa Barbara is a remarkable higher education institution with a beautiful coastal campus, a diverse student body, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and research. Students have the opportunity to explore their interests and achieve their career goals. UCSB is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in a vibrant, inclusive community.

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