Public Institution

University of California-Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, California

Compare Visit Website

Annual Tuition $14,965

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 27.8%

Highly Selective

Enrollment 23,205

Active Students

Avg. Salary $74,915

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Santa Barbara, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of California-Santa Barbara stands as a pillar of higher education in Santa Barbara, providing a robust academic foundation for 23,205 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does California-Santa Barbara offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of California-Santa Barbara. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences

26.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

11%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

9.8%

Enrollment Share

Mathematics

9.3%

Enrollment Share

Communications

8.6%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

5.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of California-Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of California-Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Mathematics College

The Mathematics program at University of California-Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at University of California-Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at University of California-Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at California-Santa Barbara?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 27.8%

Difficulty High

University of California-Santa Barbara maintains an acceptance rate of 27.8%, reflecting its status as a highly selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 43%

Women Enrollment 57%

Open Pathway Confirmed

California-Santa Barbara follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to California-Santa Barbara's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does California-Santa Barbara cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,965

Out-of-State Tuition $45,742

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 28%

Median Student Debt $13,993

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,965, graduates see a median starting salary of $74,915, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can California-Santa Barbara graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $74,915

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 85.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,825

Median Salary (6yr) $56,852

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at California-Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara?

23,205 Students

Gender Comparison

43% Men

57% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

91.9%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

18.7%

Black

White

31.7%

Unknown

2.7%

Hispanic

26%

Two or More Races

8.9%

International

9.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 42.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 72.8%

💍

Married Students 0.6%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 63.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$73,046
Average Family Income	$56,328
Median Family Income	$36,166

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

58.1%

41.9%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Santa Barbara Campus Environment

Located at 5221 Cheadle Hall, University of California-Santa Barbara offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

⚖️

How does University of California-Santa Barbara compare?

Direct Comparison California-Santa Barbara vs Fielding Graduate University →

Direct Comparison California-Santa Barbara vs Santa Barbara City College →

Direct Comparison California-Santa Barbara vs Westmont College →

Direct Comparison California-Santa Barbara vs Antioch University-Santa Barbara →

Common Questions about University of California-Santa Barbara

Is University of California-Santa Barbara a good college in Santa Barbara, California?

California-Santa Barbara is a recognized institution in Santa Barbara with an enrollment of 23,205 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.

Is University of California-Santa Barbara worth attending in 2026?

Yes, California-Santa Barbara offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $74,915. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does University of California-Santa Barbara cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at California-Santa Barbara is approximately $14,965. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $45,742. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of California-Santa Barbara after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending California-Santa Barbara for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 72.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of California-Santa Barbara good for Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs?

California-Santa Barbara is highly regarded for its Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending University of California-Santa Barbara?

Graduates of California-Santa Barbara often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $74,915, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of California-Santa Barbara?

California-Santa Barbara operates with a Highly Selective policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does University of California-Santa Barbara require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, California-Santa Barbara follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can University of California-Santa Barbara graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of California-Santa Barbara earn a median salary of $74,915 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of California-Santa Barbara a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

California-Santa Barbara stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

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

California-Santa Barbara is located at 5221 Cheadle Hall in Santa Barbara, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 23,205 learners.

Who typically attends University of California-Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA?

The student body at California-Santa Barbara is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 42.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

🏆

2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of California-Santa Barbara with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration