University of California-Santa Barbara
Campus Identity
University of California-Santa Barbara is a large public university in Santa Barbara, CA. Approximately 23,113 students are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 33% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 8 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
University of California-Santa Barbara is a large public university in Santa Barbara, CA. Approximately 23,113 students are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 33% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 8 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
University of California-Santa Barbara is a 20,000+, suburban school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 8 miles from Santa Barbara Beach, CA and 109 miles from Mt. Waterman Ski Lift, LLC.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Big West
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Suburban setting
Beach Access
8 miles
Santa Barbara Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
57°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
University of California-Santa Barbara students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mt. Waterman Ski Lift, LLC, 109 miles away. All are within 123 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Beach Town
Students at University of California-Santa Barbara are 8 miles from Santa Barbara Beach, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Santa Barbara Beach, CA
Ocean access within 8.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara has a mild climate, with winters averaging 52°F in Dec and summers peaking around 66°F in Aug.
Station: SANTA BARBARA MUNICIPAL Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
University of California-Santa Barbara in CA earns a composite safety score of 43/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,414 | $50,614 |
| Fees | $2,975 | $2,975 |
| Room & Board | $20,279 | $20,279 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $39,668 | $73,868 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
149 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is University of California-Santa Barbara located?
University of California-Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, CA. The main campus address is 5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%, making it selective. Out of 110,259 applicants, 36,347 were admitted in the most recent year. 23,113 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Barbara?
For the 2024-25 academic year, University of California-Santa Barbara charges $16,414/year for in-state students and $50,614/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($20,279/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $44,171/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,109/year — what students actually pay. Use University of California-Santa Barbara's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for University of California-Santa Barbara?
The undergraduate application fee at University of California-Santa Barbara is $80. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does University of California-Santa Barbara have college sports?
Yes — University of California-Santa Barbara competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Big West. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara the right fit for me?
Whether University of California-Santa Barbara is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (33% admit rate), avg net price ($16,109/year after aid), campus culture in Santa Barbara, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh University of California-Santa Barbara against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with University of California-Santa Barbara directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Big West
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 57°F avg
- App Fee
- $80
- On Campus Safety Score
- 43/100
- Nearest Airport
- Santa Barbara, CA (SBA) · 1 mialso OXR (39 mi), NTD (46 mi)
Location
Santa Barbara, CA