Rankings for The University of California, Santa Barbara

US News Ranking

#35

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#69

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#178

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a public research university in Santa Barbara, California. UCSB offers 80+ undergraduate majors and 50+ graduate programs. The university is particularly well-known for its sciences, engineering, and humanities programs. 

The University of California, Santa Barbara is ranked highly globally by many reliable publications. In Times Higher Education's annual list of the best colleges globally, UCSB has been present. It is ranked 64th by THE (Times Higher Education) 2023.  UCSB's position in the US News & World Report Global Universities 2023 is 67th, similar to 2022.

What is the University of California, Santa Barbara QS Ranking 2025?

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has ranked 178 according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Enlisted below are the global rankings for the University of California, Santa Barbara from 2022-25:-

Ranked By

2022

2023

2024

2025

THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking

68

64

NA

NA

US News & World Report - Global Universities

67

67

NA

NA

QS - World University Ranking

146

149

163

178

University of California, Santa Barbara Course Rankings 2024

The courses offered by the University of California, Santa Barbara are popular worldwide. QS Engineering and Technology 2023 ranked MS 132nd out of all subjects. This ranking was 134th in 2022.  Additionally, UCSB is ranked for MS Mathematics and MS Physics and Astronomy under QS's rankings 2023. These subjects were positioned 151-200th and 18th, respectively.

The University of California, Santa Barbara Course Rankings by QS 2022-24

Course

2022

2023

2024

Physics and Astronomy

19

18

NA

Communication and Media Studies

25

29

NA

Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering

101-150

101-150

NA

MS (Engineering and Technology) 

134

132 

NA

Biological Sciences

101-150

151-200

NA

MBA (Global MBA) 

131-140

141-150

NA

Architecture and Built Environment 

201-240

201-240 

NA

Mathematics

151-200

151-200

NA

Sociology

151-200

201-250

NA

Politics and International Studies

NA

201-230

NA

Medicine

401-450

401-450

NA

The University of California, Santa Barbara Course Rankings by U.S. News and World Report 2022-24

Course

2022

2023

2024

MS Electrical Engineering

27

25

NA

MS Mechanical Engineering

29

29

NA

MS Chemical Engineering

30

31

NA

The University of California, Santa Barbara Course Rankings by Times Higher Education 2022-24

Course

2022

2023

2024

Engineering

41

43

NA

MS Computer Science

55

60

NA

Life Sciences

74

73

NA

Psychology

78

57

NA

Arts and Humanities

101-125

82

NA

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a world-class public research university with a beautiful coastal campus, a diverse student body, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and research. UCSB is ranked among the top public universities in the United States and is known for its innovative programs, esteemed faculty, and cutting-edge research. Connect with our Yocket counselors and resolve all your doubts regarding UC Santa Barbara and more!

Frequently Asked Questions on University of California, Santa Barbara Ranking 2024

1. What is the University of California, Santa Barbara’s global ranking?

Ans.  The University of California, Santa Barbara’s position in US News & World Report's ranking is 67th for 2023. The QS World University Ranking 2025 placed UCSB 178th, a drastic decline from the 149th position in 2022. The institute is also ranked 64th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. 

2. How are the University of California, Santa Barbara’s MS courses ranked?

Ans. Several MS programs offered at the University of California, Santa Barbara are among the best in the States and worldwide. MS is ranked 132nd in Engineering and Technology and 151-200th in Mathematics for 2023, according to QS. In  2022 and 2021, UCSB's MS was positioned 134th and 111th for Engineering and Technology, by QS.

3. What are the national rankings of the University of California, Santa Barbara?

Ans. The University of California, Santa Barbara is among the finest institutions of higher education in the USA. The university is ranked 32nd by US News & World Report - National University Rankings 2023, a decline from 28th rank in 2022.