University of California Santa Barbara Overview

The University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a renowned public research university located along the Pacific coast in Santa Barbara, California. Established in 1891, UCSB is part of the University of California system and is known for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. The campus boasts beautiful ocean views, a vibrant academic community, and diverse research opportunities.

University of California Santa Barbara Offered Programs

  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Economics
  • Psychology
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Communication
  • Sociology
  • Literature
  • Marine Science
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Film and Media Studies

University of California Santa Barbara Tuition Fees

Program LevelTuition Fees (USD per year)
Undergraduate$14,391 (in-state) / $44,145 (out-of-state)
GraduateVaries by program; approximately $17,000 – $32,000

University of California Santa Barbara Required Documents and Admission Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts from prior education
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional for recent applicants)
  • Letters of recommendation (for graduate programs)
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • GRE scores (for some graduate programs)
  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for international students
  • Application fee payment

University of California Santa Barbara Deadlines

Application StageDeadline Date
Undergraduate Fall AdmissionNovember 30
Graduate Fall AdmissionDecember 15
Transfer AdmissionMarch 2

University of California Santa Barbara Scholarships Offerings

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based financial aid
  • Departmental scholarships
  • External scholarships supported by the financial aid office

University of California Santa Barbara Rankings

Ranking OrganizationCountry RankWorld Rank
U.S. News & World Report (National Universities)30 (USA)47
QS World University RankingsN/A49
Times Higher EducationN/A56

University of California Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate

UCSB has an acceptance rate of approximately 30%, making admission moderately competitive.

University of California Santa Barbara Student Campus Life

UCSB offers a lively campus environment with a wide variety of clubs, cultural events, and recreational activities. The campus is located near the beach, providing many outdoor and water-related activities. Housing options include on-campus dormitories and apartments, as well as off-campus student housing.

Accommodation Options:

TypeAverage Monthly Cost (USD)
On-campus Dormitory$900 – $1,400
On-campus Apartment$1,200 – $1,800
Off-campus Housing$1,200 – $2,000

University of California Santa Barbara Cost of Living

Living in Santa Barbara is considered moderately expensive, with costs influenced by housing, food, and transportation. Students should budget carefully to accommodate these expenses.

Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation$900 – $2,000
Food and Groceries$300 – $500
Transportation$50 – $100
Personal Expenses$150 – $300

University of California Santa Barbara Contact Informations

Website: ucsb.edu
Phone Number: +1 805-893-8000
Email Address: admissions@ucsb.edu
Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA

University of California Santa Barbara Online Application

Applicants can apply online through the UCSB application portal. It is important to submit all required documents and fees before the deadlines to be considered for admission.