University of California-Santa Barbara campus
University of California-Santa Barbara logo

University of California-Santa Barbara

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale Suburb: Midsize
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Quarter
Student body size Large
Dormitory capacity 11,031
Student to faculty ratio 17 to 1
Acceptance rate 29%
Students retention rate 91%
On-time graduation rate 85%

Located in Santa Barbara, California, UC Santa Barbara is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. UC Santa Barbara operates on a quarter-based calendar system, dividing the academic year into four terms.

University of California-Santa Barbara is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

UC Santa Barbara boasts an impressive student retention rate of 91% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

29.2%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$14,417

Cost of attendance at University of California-Santa Barbara in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$44,171

Cost of attendance at University of California-Santa Barbara in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 53 of freshman students at University of California-Santa Barbara received on average $18,107 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$18,107
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 1,338 28% $5,724 $7,658,280
Other Federal Grant 2,228 46% $4,694 $10,458,865
State Grant/Scholarships 1,877 39% $10,813 $20,296,066
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 2,034 42% $7,687 $15,635,919
Total Grant & Scholarships 2,562 53% $18,107 $46,390,850

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of University of California-Santa Barbara students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of University of California-Santa Barbara students is 85.4%. Female students graduated at a rate of 88.5%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 81.5%.

85.4%

  • asian 89.3% 887 students
  • African American 76.4% 81 students
  • white 87.9% 1,231 students
  • unknown 83.3% 55 students
  • hawaiian 83.3% 10 students
  • hispanic 81.4% 1,017 students
  • International Students 83.6% 285 students
  • Mixed Race 83.6% 235 students

Sport Conferences

  • Baseball Big West Conference
  • Basketball Big West Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Big West Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

University of California-Santa Barbara provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

University of California-Santa Barbara offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army

Veteran Services

  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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