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A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A
  2. Value
    A
  3. Diversity
    A
  4. Campus
    A
  5. Athletics
    B+
  6. Party Scene
    A+
  7. Professors
    A+
  8. Location
    A-
  9. Dorms
    B+
  10. Campus Food
    A
  11. Student Life
    A+
  12. Safety
    C+
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University of California - Santa Barbara is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I (without football)
Athletic Conference
Big West Conference
Address
5221 Cheadle Hall
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Website
ucsb.edu
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University of California - Santa Barbara Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
36%
Application Deadline
November 30
SAT Range
1120-1390
ACT Range
27-32
Application Fee
$70
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No
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Cost

Net Price
$15,149/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $9,954/ year
  • $30-48k
    $11,076/ year
  • $49-75k
    $14,176/ year
  • $76-110k
    $21,037/ year
  • $110k+
    $31,768/ year

Academics

Professors
A+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
18:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
77%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.247 responses
37%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.261 responses
56%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.261 responses
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Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Sociology
    514 Graduates
  • Economics
    507 Graduates
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
    478 Graduates
  • Communications
    409 Graduates
  • International Studies
    387 Graduates
  • Biology
    270 Graduates
  • Political Science and Government
    269 Graduates
  • Environmental Studies
    234 Graduates
  • English
    195 Graduates
  • Mathematics & Statistics
    180 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
21,199Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
2%
Pell Grant
39%
Varsity Athletes
2%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 160 responses
Report
  • Work hard, party hard
    33%
  • Studious, but can party
    16%
  • Balanced
    15%
  • Party hard, study harder
    14%
  • Everyone's different
    8%
  • Athletic, smart, liberal, good-looking
    5%
  • Extremely chill
    4%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
57%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.361 responses
Poll
57%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.403 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 158 responses
Report
  • Work hard play hard
    54%
  • Balance work and play
    32%
  • Awesome
    6%
  • Many options
    3%
  • "Sleep when you're dead" - School's motto
    3%
  • Study hard in the most beautiful environment
    1%
  • Undescribable
    1%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$52,500/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
82%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
90%
National
83%
61%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.159 responses
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University of California - Santa Barbara Reviews

4,167 reviews
All Categories
UCSB is an incredible place! I have had life changing and inspiring professors, met some of my closest friends, and live in a place where I can watch the sun set over the ocean every night. The people at UCSB are very friendly and I have found it to be a place where people try to lift each other up as opposed to competing with each other and not sharing notes or information like other colleges. UCSB has a wonderful study abroad program as a part of the wider UC system. The downside to UCSB is large classes--you really have to make an effort to have relationships with professors, but because it is a large university you have SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES to do research/ intern/ join or start a club. I love my school and my campus and although it took some time to feel this way, I can't imagine myself anywhere else.
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Absolutely incredible. Coming from the opposite side of the country, I've never felt more welcomed into a community. Not only have I gained knowledge from the phenomenal academics, I am constantly learning something new every day at UCSB. Incredibly diverse with endless options to get involved. It also doesn't hurt that the campus is stunning and you can study right on the beach! Wouldn't change my experience here for the world.
I love UCSB. I just completed my first year here, and dorming was such an invaluable experience I wish I could relive over and over again. The professors are grossly invested in and passionate about what they do and their students, and it makes learning all that much more exciting. The overall community is very welcoming and friendly, and it invites its students to get involved with the abundance of clubs, sports, and Greek life opportunities it has available! The campus is beautiful and boasts a nearby beach for students to relax away at at their leisure.