University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · 4-year

University of California-Santa Barbara has a 27.8% acceptance rate. University of California-Santa Barbara is a public 4-year institution in Santa Barbara, CA. The average net price is $16,109 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

27.8%

110,871 applicants

SAT Median

N/A

Combined score

ACT Median

N/A

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$16,109

After financial aid

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.8%

Retention Rate

93.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

23,113

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of California-Santa Barbara:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$9,231
$30,001 – $48,000$9,992
$48,001 – $75,000$12,588
$75,001 – $110,000$17,136
$110,000+$31,863

Top Majors at University of California-Santa Barbara

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences1,713
Biological & Biomedical Sciences715
Psychology661
Mathematics & Statistics608
Communication & Journalism597
Visual & Performing Arts372
Natural Resources & Conservation331
Engineering270
Physical Sciences261
Computer & Information Sciences168

Financial Aid at University of California-Santa Barbara

About University of California-Santa Barbara

Official website: https://www.ucsb.edu/

Admissions: https://www.admissions.ucsb.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Santa Barbara

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 28%. it received about 110,871 applications in a recent year; the average net price is $16,109 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of California-Santa Barbara for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of California-Santa Barbara?

Getting into University of California-Santa Barbara is competitive — it admits 28% of applicants. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of California-Santa Barbara for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Barbara?

The average net price at University of California-Santa Barbara is $16,109 per year after grants and scholarships. about 58% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $21,732 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of California-Santa Barbara has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 93%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of California-Santa Barbara against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of California-Santa Barbara test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of California-Santa Barbara is test-blind, meaning it does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. With a 28% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of California-Santa Barbara's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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