University of California, Santa Barbara: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at UCSB

Universities

University of California, Santa Barbara

About

Public

University Type

US News National rank

$56,733

Average Living Expenses

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a public research university located in Santa Barbara, California. It is one of the ten campuses of the University of California system. UCSB is a highly ranked university, consistently ranking among the top public universities in the United States and the world.

What is the Acceptance Rate of the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The acceptance rate of UC Santa Barbara is just 29% making it a highly selective and competitive university to get into.

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers many academic programs, with 80+ undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in the sciences, engineering, and humanities. UCSB is also home to several world-renowned research institutes and centers, including the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Marine Science Institute, and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. UC Santa Barbara ranking by QS World University Rankings 2024 is #163.

UCSB is located on a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which is home to numerous student resources and amenities, including a library, student union, recreation center, and numerous athletic facilities. UCSB is also known for its vibrant student life, with many clubs and organizations to choose from. UCSB has a diverse student body, with 22,000+ students enrolled from all over the world. The university is also a major economic driver for the Santa Barbara region, with an annual economic impact of over $2 billion.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of California, Santa Barbara

Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at UC Santa Barbara. Here are some of the top reasons:

Academic excellence: UCSB is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for academic excellence. The university's faculty and researchers are leaders in their fields, and students have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources.
Support for students: UC Santa Barbara offers several resources to help students succeed academically and personally, including academic advising, tutoring, and counseling. UCSB also has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, and there are many student organizations and support groups for students from all backgrounds.
Interactive, hands-on learning: UCSB offers various interactive and hands-on learning opportunities, such as research projects, internships, and field trips. This allows students to gain real-world experience and apply what they are learning in the classroom.
Beautiful environment: UC Santa Barbara is located in a stunning setting, on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The campus is surrounded by mountains and beaches, and students have easy access to hiking, biking, surfing, and other outdoor activities.
Sustainability leadership: UCSB is a leader in sustainability, and the campus is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The university has some initiatives in place to promote sustainability, such as energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and sustainable transportation options.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will learn and explore at UCSB. To know more, click here.

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Cost of Studying at University of California, Santa Barbara

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$69,375

Average living expenses (Masters)

$56,733

Admissions at The University of California, Santa Barbara

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

29%

Application Fee

$80 - $155

How to Apply at University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers many academic programs, with 80+ undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in the sciences, engineering, and humanities. International students must follow these steps to smoothen the application process to UCSB:

Be an early bird: UC Santa Barbara admissions deadlines vary program-wise, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting in. Hence, thoroughly check the deadlines before applying.

TYPE	DEADLINE
Freshmen applicant	Fall - November 30 Winter quarter/spring semester – July 31
Transfer applicant	September 30
FAFSA submission	March 2
SIR submission	Freshman – May 1 Transfer – June 1

Review the admission requirements for international students: The eligibility criteria for international students vary slightly from domestic students, in terms of GPA, English proficiency, and standardized scores.

Submit your application online: Applicants can apply through UCSB Application Portal and the Common Application.

Submit all required supporting documents, including:

Official transcripts from all high schools and universities attended.
English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT).
A financial statement.
Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors.
A personal statement.
Additional documents like a copy of your passport and financial statements.

Pay the application fee: The application fee for international students is $70 - $95 (INR 5,271 - 7,907).

Documents Required to Apply to University of California, Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate is only 29%, making it a highly selective and competitive university to get in. However, international students must keep the following documents handy to make the application process hassle-free:

UNDERGRADUATE

DOCUMENT	DESCRIPTION
High School Transcripts	Official transcripts, translated into English.
GPA	3.0 (83%)
Standardized Scores	SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, and PTE Scores.
Application Fee	Non refundable application fee of $70 (INR 5,271).

POSTGRADUATE

DOCUMENT	DESCRIPTION
Bachelor’s Degree (US Equivalent)	Official transcripts, translated into English.
GPA	3.0 (83 - 86%)
Letters of Recommendation	From academic counselors or others.
Statement of Purpose.	Talk about your extracurriculars and how you are competent to study at UCSB.
Resume or CV	Talk about your work experience, certifications, and other achievements.
Other Supporting Materials	Work/Writing samples, portfolio work, and research proposal.
Standardized Scores	GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL Scores.
Application Fee	Non-refundable application fee of $95 (INR 7,907).

Exams Accepted By University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara accepts the following English proficiency and standardized test scores from international students:

TESTS	UNDERGRADUATE	GRADUATE
IELTS	6.5	7.0
TOEFL	80	80
GRE	290	290
GMAT	500	500
PTE (Academic)	54	60
SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing	630 - 730	NA
ACT	27-34	NA

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Rankings for The University of California, Santa Barbara

#39

US News National rank

#67

The World University Rankings

#178

QS World University Rankings

More rankings for this university

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Students University of California, Santa Barbara

706

Yocketers applied

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136

Yocketers admitted

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4,792

Yocketers interested

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Ajitika Singh

Technology Management

Fall 2025

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Computer Science

Fall 2025

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Fall 2025

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Fall 2024

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International Students

% of international students in the university

Total International Students in the university

3674

Alumni at University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has a distinguished alumni network of 200,000+ graduates worldwide, who have achieved success in many fields, including business, technology, academia, government, and the arts. Here is a small sample of notable UCSB alumni:

Meg Whitman, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard.
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn.
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States.
Finn E. Kydland, Nobel Prize winner in Economics.
Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senator from California.
Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google.
Jane Lynch, actress and comedian.

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Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

Devi prasad Tirugamalla

7 months ago

Looking for accommodation from Dec1st in Santa Barbara.

Hi, this is Devi Prasad! I'm moving to SB by the end of this November. I'm looking for a spot! Open to a studio, 1 bedroom, or roommates! in and around the following zip code: 93117 (Goleta), NEAR U...

Prathamesh Popalghat

a year ago

I have got admits from Northeastern University for MEM and also from UCSB for MTM degree. I am confused which to choose?

As a fresher I am confused which University I should select as UCSB offers 1 year degree and northeastern University offers 2 years degree.

Anushka Katiyar

a year ago

Which is a bttr fr MEM ,UCSB -9 months and Tufts has 2yrs , fees for both is ~50k, getting ~10k scholarship in both.

Palash Chaturvedi

a year ago

UCSB MTM OR NYU MOT

I got accepted into both the programs. With NYU scholarship too. Am confused as to which one to choose and why #mem #masters #ms

Allen Paul

a year ago

Is anyone going to UCSB for Fall 2024 intake ?

If you are, please dm me
#masters #ms

Reviews for University of California, Santa Barbara

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
California

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Transportation in the city

Santa Barbara, California has various transportation options, including public transportation, rideshare services, taxis, rental cars, and biking and walking.

Public transportation: Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) operates a bus system that serves the city and surrounding areas. Buses run frequently and are a convenient way to get around town. MTD also offers various passes and discounts, making it an affordable option for visitors and residents alike.
Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft can be a convenient way to get around town, especially if you are traveling with luggage or need to go somewhere that is not close to a bus stop.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Santa Barbara, but they can be more expensive than rideshare services or public transportation.
Rental cars: If you want to have the flexibility to explore Santa Barbara at your own pace, you can rent a car. There are several car rental companies located at the Santa Barbara Airport and throughout the city.

Here are some additional transportation options in Santa Barbara:

Amtrak trains serve Santa Barbara, connecting the city to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major cities on the West Coast.
Santa Barbara Airbus provides a shuttle service between Santa Barbara Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Clean Air Express provides bus service between Santa Barbara and other cities in the Santa Barbara County region.
Greyhound buses connect the city to other cities in California and the United States.
Pedicabs can be a fun and unique way to get around.

Services offered by the university

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers many services to its students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community, including:

Academic support services: UCSB offers various academic support services to help students succeed in their classes, including tutoring, writing assistance, and learning skills workshops.
Career services: UCSB Career Services provides students and recent alumni with various resources and support to help them plan their careers and find jobs.
Health and wellness services: UCSB Student Health Service provides students with various healthcare services, including primary care, immunizations, and mental health counseling.
Services for international students: UCSB's International Students and Scholars Office provides support and resources to international students, including immigration advising, visa processing, and cultural events.
Community outreach: UCSB offers various educational and cultural programs to the surrounding community, including lectures, workshops, and performances.

These are some basic services provided by UC Santa Barbara. However, some special services are also offered for veterans, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.

Student life at University of California, Santa Barbara

With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by UCSB, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors contributing to the vibrancy of the student life at UC Santa Barbara:

Activities and Organizations: UC Santa Barbara has over 400 student organizations, covering many interests, including academics, athletics, arts and culture, and social justice. There is something for everyone at UCSB, and students are encouraged to get involved in activities that they are passionate about.
Athletics: UCSB is a member of the Big West Conference, and its athletic teams compete at the Division I level. UCSB offers various sports for students to participate in, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and volleyball. Students can also join club sports and intramural sports.
Arts and Culture: UC Santa Barbara has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The campus has some performance spaces, including the Arlington Theatre, the Granada Theatre, and the UCSB Campbell Hall. UCSB also has several museums, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the UCSB Museum of Anthropology.
Social Justice: UCSB is a socially conscious campus, and there are many opportunities for students to get involved in social justice causes. Students can join student organizations that work on issues such as climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Students can also volunteer their time to local organizations that are working to make a difference in the community.

These are just a few factors that make UC Santa Barbara's student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.

On campus accomodation at University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers various on-campus accommodation options for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as families and staff.

Residence Halls are the most popular type of on-campus accommodation at UC Santa Barbara. They are located in the heart of campus and offer students easy access to classes, dining halls, and other amenities. Residence halls are also a great way to meet new people and make friends. UCSB offers nine different residence halls, including:

Anacapa Hall: This hall is known for its social atmosphere and beautiful views of the ocean.
Manzanita Village: This village is composed of six residence halls that are located near the center of campus. Manzanita Village offers various amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and convenience store.
Santa Rosa Hall: This hall is known for its quiet and studious atmosphere. It is also located near the library and other academic resources.

Apartments are a good option for students who want more privacy and independence than residence halls offer, and those who have families or pets. UCSB offers different apartment complexes, including:

El Dorado Apartments
San Joaquin Villages
San Clemente Villages
Storke Family Housing

Family Student Apartments are available in various styles and sizes, and many offer amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, and in-unit laundry facilities.

Cost: The cost of on-campus accommodation at UCSB varies depending on the type of accommodation and the room type. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated cost of on-campus housing ranges from $12,780 (INR 1063811) to $16,600 (INR 13,81,788).

Students can apply for on-campus accommodation at UCSB through the UCSB Campus Housing website. The application process opens in the fall of the following academic year.

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FAQ

1. What is the University of California, Santa Barbara campus admission acceptance rate?

The University of California, Santa Barbara's acceptance rate for international students is 29%, making it quite low, and chances vary according to the portfolio of students.

2 W.hat is the average tuition fee for out-of-state students at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The average University of California, Santa Barbara tuition fee is around 54,074 USD (42,80,982 INR) per year for out-of-state students. However, the tuition fees for different courses vary depending on the program you have opted for.

3. What are the minimum University of California, Santa Barbara GPA requirements?

For considering admission to the University of California, Santa Barbara in the United States, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.8.

4. When is the application deadline for the submission of the application form to the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara's early choice to make I and early decision deadlines are November 31 each year. When you apply to the University of California, Santa Barbara, a number of factors influence the exact date.

5. What is the average cost of staying while studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The cost of living at the University of California, Santa Barbara for out-of-state/ international students comprises tuition fees, accommodation costs, meals, and other expenses, estimated to be around 10,976 USD (7,23,565 INR) when living on campus and 12,556 USD (8,81,306 INR) when living off campus. For miscellaneous and personal expenses, the charges may vary from person to person

University of California, Santa Barbara: Acceptance Rate, Fees & Courses

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What is the Acceptance Rate of the University of California, Santa Barbara?

Top Reasons to Study in the University of California, Santa Barbara

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