UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara at a Glance
UC Santa Barbara Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #35 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #152 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #57 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #37 | #37 | #37 | #30 | #34 | #30 | #28 | #32 | #35 | #35 |
US News National Universities: #37 (2016) → #35 (2025) ↑ 2 spots
UC Santa Barbara Overview
University of California-Santa Barbara is a public university in Santa Barbara, CA with 28,257 students. The 27.8% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics/Statistics.
| Full Name | University of California-Santa Barbara |
| Location | Santa Barbara, CA 93106 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucsb.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 28,257 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 25,091 |
| Female Students | 55.7% |
UC Santa Barbara Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at UC Santa Barbara?
UC Santa Barbara has 11,432 on-campus beds for 25,091 undergrads — that's enough for about 46% of the undergraduate population. Housing is limited. Many students live off campus after freshman year.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included (19 meals/week)
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
UC Santa Barbara Campus & Location
UC Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, CA — classified as Suburb: Midsize. The suburban location offers a quieter environment while still being close to urban amenities.
UC Santa Barbara Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | UC Santa Barbara Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | — | $93,750 | $75,000 | +25% |
| Engineering | — | $90,000 | $72,000 | +25% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $77,500 | $62,000 | +25% |
| Business | — | $68,750 | $55,000 | +25% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $60,000 | $48,000 | +25% |
| Social Sciences | — | $56,250 | $45,000 | +25% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $52,500 | $42,000 | +25% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $52,500 | $42,000 | +25% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $50,000 | $40,000 | +25% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $50,000 | $40,000 | +25% |
| History | — | $50,000 | $40,000 | +25% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $47,500 | $38,000 | +25% |
| Psychology | — | $45,000 | $36,000 | +25% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $45,000 | $36,000 | +25% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $42,500 | $34,000 | +25% |
Popular Majors at UC Santa Barbara
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into UC Santa Barbara
UCSB is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
What UC Santa Barbara Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Important |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Important |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
UC Santa Barbara Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC Santa Barbara UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Santa Barbara
More About UC Santa Barbara
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Santa Barbara is not affiliated with DeepColleges.