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Colleges / University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate29%

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California Santa Barbara is a public research university in Santa Barbara, California. UC Santa Barbara is one of the ten University of California system campuses and is one of the top public research universities in the US. UC Santa Barbara is known for research and innovation, a thriving arts and cultural scene, andits emphasis on sustainability and for picturesque coastal location. UC Santa Barbara has several renowned programs including materials science and engineering, physics, environmental studies, computer science, sociology, film and media studies, and more. The academic standards are very high at UC Santa Barbara, and there is often an atmosphere of competition among students who are interested in research opportunities. However, academically the university is more collaborative than cutthroat. 

The overall campus atmosphere at UC Santa Barbara can be described as relaxed and social. Students are known to be friendly,  inclusive, and full of school spirit. The social scene at the university is tightly connected to the university’s proximity to the beach. Students love toget outdoors,and beach parties are a popular pastime. Additionally, students are very active in club activities, and frequently attend art exhibitions, guest lectures, and community events. 

UC Santa Barbara competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Big West Conference. Uniquely, UC Santa Barbara does not have a football program, which has allowed the school to focus more acutely on other sports. The most popular sports are basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and softball. The university’s biggest athletic rival is Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and the rivalry is often called the “Blue-Green Rivalry” and the “Central Coast Rivalry.” 

Did You Know?

UC Santa Barbara is a bike-friendly campus. There is a strong bicycle culture at the university and biking is a popular mode of transportation among students. The university has an extensive network of bike baths and bike parking throughout the campus.

Read More: See what the CC Community is saying about UC Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara is a public, state university in the suburb of Santa Barbara, California. UC Santa Barbara was founded in 1909. The college enrolls around 26,124 students a year, including 23,091 undergraduate students.

UC Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate

It is very difficult to get into UC Santa Barbara. In 2022, UC Santa Barbara accepted 29% of applicants. In 2022, 30,039 out of 103,174 total applicants were accepted.

University of California, Santa Barbara Admissions Facts At-A-Glance
Overall Acceptance Rate 29%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate Info Not Available
Early Action Acceptance Rate EA not offered
Test Optional May require tests

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Admissions

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

University of California, Santa Barbara Community Forums

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Visit University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara is located in the town of Santa Barbara, California,.

If you want to see UC Santa Barbara for yourself, be sure to plan a visit! The best way to reach campus is to take U.S. Highway 101 to Santa Barbara, or book a flight to the nearest airport, Los Angeles International.

You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what University of California, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara are like without leaving home.

College Info

UC Santa Barbara Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Nov 30

Transfer Applications are Due

Nov 30

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to UC Santa Barbara is Nov 30.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to UC Santa Barbara is Nov 30.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

UC Santa Barbara SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

Not available

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Math SAT Range

Not available

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Reading SAT Range

Not available

UC Santa Barbara Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$35,424

In State

$67,998

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$13,752
$46,326
Fees
$1,914
$1,914
Housing
$18,276
$18,276
Books
$1,482
$1,482

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Student Life

Wondering what life at UC Santa Barbara is like? There are approximately 26,124 students enrolled at UC Santa Barbara, including 23,091 undergraduate students and 3,033 graduate students. 96% percent of students attend school full-time, 92% percent are from CA and 8% percent of students are from other states.

96%

Full Time

3%

Part Time

92%

In State

8%

Out-of-State

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

26,124

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

29%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$15,666

Out-of-State

$48,240

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Nov 30
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