University of California-Santa Barbara

25.9%Acceptance

$14,965Tuition

23,205Students

85%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$74,915Earnings

#10 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of California-Santa Barbara

This Pacific Coast research powerhouse draws 23,205 students to its stunning beachside campus in Santa Barbara. UCSB has built its reputation on strong engineering and marine science programs, taking advantage of its oceanfront location for modern research. Notable graduates include Nobel Prize winner Carol Greider and actor Michael Douglas, reflecting the university's blend of scientific excellence and creative energy.

Students pay an average net price of $13,825 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable UC campuses. Graduates earn a median of $74,915 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $13,993. The math works out well for most families, especially considering 28% of students receive Pell Grants and the employment rate hits 92.4%.

Getting in requires serious academics, with only 26% of applicants accepted. The quarter system keeps the pace intense, but students balance rigorous coursework with Division I athletics as the Gauchos. Nearly 92% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting students quickly fall for the combination of academic prestige and California beach culture. Housing 11,432 students on campus helps create a tight-knit community despite the large enrollment.

Academics & Faculty

UCSB operates as a major research university where 23,205 students pursue degrees across strong engineering and marine science programs. The school's oceanfront location fuels strong research in environmental studies and coastal engineering. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, undergraduates get reasonable access to professors despite the large enrollment. The 85.3% six-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support systems. UCSB's research focus means students can join faculty projects early in their academic careers. The quarter system moves quickly through material. Engineering and physical sciences draw heavily from the school's research reputation. Liberal arts students benefit from the same research opportunities that make UCSB a top-tier UC campus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 89.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 85.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 85.3%
Retention Rate: 91.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $74,915
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Physics.	Doctoral	$95,688
Chemistry.	Doctoral	$94,408
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$81,554
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$76,773
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$72,134
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.	Master	$69,338
Education, General.	Doctoral	$63,997
Economics.	Bachelor	$60,790
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$60,452
Applied Mathematics.	Bachelor	$59,536

View all 144 programs →

Campus Life

UCSB sits on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where students bike to class past palm trees and surfers catching waves below. The campus houses 11,432 students, roughly half the undergraduate population, in residence halls and apartments that fill up quickly due to the stunning beachfront location. Students pack sunscreen rather than winter coats for the year-round Mediterranean climate that rarely dips below 50 degrees.

Weekend life revolves around the nearby student community of Isla Vista, known for its beach parties and tight-knit social scene. The quarter system keeps academic pace intense, with 91.91% of students returning each year despite the demanding coursework. Students surf before morning lectures, study on ocean-view terraces, and join the 446 student-athletes competing in 20 varsity sports. Santa Barbara's downtown sits just minutes away, while Los Angeles lies 90 miles south. The combination of serious academics and California beach culture creates what many consider the ideal college environment.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 11,432 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

323 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	43	20	4	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	51	0	3	9
Rape	24	20	4	0
Burglary	22	10	4	0
Dating Violence	16	15	1	1
Aggravated Assault	13	10	4	3
Arson	13	10	0	0
Fondling	9	5	0	0
Domestic Violence	5	3	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–64°F
July Avg: 58°–73°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

UCSB draws primarily California residents who make up 83% of its student body, reflecting the university's strong reputation within the state as both an academic powerhouse and coastal paradise. Women outnumber men 57% to 43%, typical for a research university with robust liberal arts programs alongside engineering. The campus serves a diverse population with Hispanic students comprising 26% and Asian students 19% of enrollment. Nearly 28% of students receive Pell Grants, showing UCSB attracts middle-class families seeking quality education at public university prices while maintaining its appeal to academically strong students who value both rigorous academics and an unbeatable beachside setting.

Men: 43.0%
Women: 57.0%
White: 31.7%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 26.0%
Asian: 18.7%
In-State Students: 82.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.0%

Location

The University of California-Santa Barbara sits in Santa Barbara, California, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast. This coastal city of 90,000 blends beach culture with academic energy. The campus stretches directly onto the ocean, making it one of the few major universities with beachfront access. Students can surf before class or study with Pacific waves as their backdrop. The surrounding area offers year-round Mediterranean climate and outdoor recreation from mountains to sea. About 83% of students come from within California, drawn to this unique coastal setting. The quarter system runs from fall through spring, aligning with California's academic calendar. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Santa Barbara with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Barbara, California 93106

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $74,915
Median Earnings (5 years): $71,288
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 74.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,993

Frequently Asked Questions

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

UCSB accepts 25.85% of applicants, making it highly selective among UC campuses. The school draws students primarily from California, with 82.86% coming from in-state.

How much does University of California-Santa Barbara cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $13,825, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,745 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $30,085.

What is University of California-Santa Barbara known for academically?

UCSB operates on a quarter system with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its 23,205 students. The university has built a strong reputation in engineering and marine science, taking advantage of its oceanfront location for research opportunities.

What are the career outcomes for University of California-Santa Barbara graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $74,915 ten years after graduation, with a strong 92.4% employment rate. The school maintains an impressive 85.30% six-year graduation rate, reflecting its academic rigor and student support.

Where is University of California-Santa Barbara located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits directly on the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, often cited as one of America's most beautiful college settings. With housing capacity for 11,432 students and 20 varsity sports teams competing as the Gauchos, campus life centers around both beach culture and Division I athletics.

How diverse is the student body at University of California-Santa Barbara?

The student body of 56.99% women and 43.01% men reflects California's diversity, with 31.73% White, 26.04% Hispanic, and 18.67% Asian students. This demographic mix, combined with 27.99% of students receiving Pell Grants, creates a campus that serves students from varied economic backgrounds.