Antioch University-Santa Barbara: 52 Students

52Students

$51,541Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Antioch University-Santa Barbara

Antioch University-Santa Barbara focuses entirely on graduate education, serving just 52 students in a tight-knit academic community. The university specializes in psychology, education, and liberal arts programs built around social justice principles and hands-on learning experiences. Students work directly with faculty in a 5:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized mentorship and collaborative research. The quarter system accelerates degree completion while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

The financial picture reflects the university's graduate focus and selective enrollment. Students typically graduate with $23,501 in debt, which is manageable given that graduates earn a median of $51,541 ten years after completing their programs. Monthly loan payments average $249, representing a reasonable investment for advanced degrees in education and psychology fields. About 42% of students receive financial aid, indicating that many can afford tuition without extensive borrowing.

The student body leans female at 56% and brings diverse perspectives with 37% Hispanic enrollment and 42% white students. Employment outcomes are strong with a 93% employment rate, though the 46% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates may face challenges in higher-paying positions immediately after graduation. The small size creates an intimate learning environment where every student matters.

Academics & Faculty

Antioch University-Santa Barbara focuses on graduate programs in psychology, education, and liberal arts through a social justice lens. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means incredibly personalized attention in small cohorts. This private graduate university emphasizes experiential learning over traditional lectures. Students work directly with faculty mentors on real-world projects that address community issues. The quarter system allows for intensive, immersive coursework. Programs blend theory with hands-on practice in Santa Barbara's diverse community. With 93.1% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in their fields. The school attracts students who want to create social change through their careers rather than pursue traditional academic paths.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,541
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$62,012
Education, General.	Master	$56,544
Psychology, General.	Master	$42,682
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$38,721
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$35,060
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$33,281

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

This graduate-focused campus houses just 52 students in downtown Santa Barbara, creating an intimate academic environment where the 5:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally. The Pacific Coast location puts you 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, where year-round temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats.

The quarter system keeps academic momentum high while 93.1% of graduates find employment. Weekend life centers around Santa Barbara's beaches, hiking trails, and cultural scene rather than traditional college parties. With 55.77% women and strong Hispanic representation at 36.54%, the student body reflects California's diversity. The social justice focus extends beyond classrooms into community engagement projects throughout the city.

Most students commute or live off-campus given the graduate program structure. Study groups often meet at local coffee shops or the beach. The small size means everyone knows each other, creating a supportive network that continues long after graduation.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–64°F
July Avg: 60°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 19.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This small graduate university draws working professionals seeking advanced degrees in psychology and education. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, Antioch serves many first-generation and lower-income graduate students pursuing careers in social services and education. The student body is 56% women, reflecting the school's emphasis on psychology and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. Hispanic students make up 37% of enrollment, higher than most graduate programs. The quarter system and experiential learning model appeal to adult learners balancing studies with career responsibilities in Santa Barbara's nonprofit and education sectors.

Men: 44.2%
Women: 55.8%
White: 42.3%
Black: 3.9%
Hispanic: 36.5%
Asian: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.7%

Location

Antioch University-Santa Barbara sits in the coastal city of Santa Barbara, California, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The campus serves just 52 students in this affluent beach community known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Mediterranean climate. Santa Barbara blends small-city charm with upscale amenities, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The area attracts students seeking an alternative to crowded urban campuses while remaining connected to California's cultural and economic centers. With 41.67% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university draws a diverse population to this expensive coastal region. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Antioch University-Santa Barbara with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Barbara, California 93101

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,541
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,086
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $249/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,501

Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is Antioch University-Santa Barbara?

With only 52 students enrolled, Antioch University-Santa Barbara maintains an exceptionally intimate learning environment focused on graduate-level psychology and education programs. The university's small size reflects its specialized mission of social justice-oriented education rather than broad undergraduate recruitment.

What does Antioch University-Santa Barbara cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of $23,501 and monthly loan payments of $249. About 42% of students receive financial aid, including 42% who qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving economically diverse students pursuing social justice careers.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Antioch University-Santa Barbara?

The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in graduate programs emphasizing experiential learning. This personalized approach supports the university's focus on preparing practitioners in psychology, education, and liberal arts fields.

How much do Antioch University-Santa Barbara graduates earn?

Alumni earn a median of $51,541 ten years after graduation, with 93% finding employment. The earnings reflect career paths in education, counseling, and social services that prioritize community impact over high salaries.

Where is Antioch University-Santa Barbara located?

The campus sits in Santa Barbara, a small coastal city known for its progressive values and cultural diversity. The location attracts students drawn to both the Mediterranean climate and the community's alignment with Antioch's social justice mission.

Does Antioch University-Santa Barbara have a diverse student body?

The student population is 42% White and 37% Hispanic, with women comprising 56% of enrollment. This diversity reflects the university's commitment to serving underrepresented communities in graduate education and social justice fields.