About

About University of California-Santa Barbara

public research universitybeachside campusselective admissionssocial sciences strengthvery high research activity

University of California-Santa Barbara is a public research university in Santa Barbara, CA, known for its public research university, beachside campus, and selective admissions. With an acceptance rate of 26%, UCSB is selective, typically enrolling around 4,967 students each year. UCSB is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. UCSB meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $100,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

University of California-Santa Barbara acceptance rate and admitted student profile

selective

26%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
GPATypical admitted range: 4.00 – 4.00 unweighted

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of California-Santa Barbara

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UCSB rates essays as its most important factor, so treat the UC Personal Insight Questions as the heart of your application. Choose prompts that let you show genuine curiosity or a specific passion rather than just listing accomplishments.
Application Strategy
UCSB admits by major, so research whether your intended program such as Computer Science or Marine Science is more competitive than others, and be honest with yourself about whether applying to a less impacted major with a plan to switch is a viable strategy for you.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of California-Santa Barbara actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of California-Santa Barbara has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $100,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of California-Santa Barbara's sticker price of ~$67k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$67k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$67k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$67k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$67k/yr$17.1k
110k+~$67k/yr$31.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$57k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
22,961
Undergrad Enrollment
University of California-Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch