University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33.0%, an average net price of $16,807, and an overall rank of #98 (Grade A). About 83.6% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $75,977 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
University of California-Santa Barbara is a public university in Santa Barbara, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 93.0% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 105.2%, roughly 55.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of California-Santa Barbara Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Santa Barbara graduates 83.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 87.5% and keeps 93.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Santa Barbara's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $28,026 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,989 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,484 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $21,975 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,063 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,833 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.7% of University of California-Santa Barbara students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,523 to $36,658 depending on family income. Use University of California-Santa Barbara's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,954/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $36,658/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $75,977
- 10-Year Median Earnings $82,568
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $11,776
- Debt-to-Earnings ~15.5%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.6%
- Employment Rate 92.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Santa Barbara graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
University of California-Santa Barbara vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Santa Barbara's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Santa Barbara's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Santa Barbara graduates report median earnings of $75,977 five years after graduation, 23% above the national median. The 105.2% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 23,113
- Full-Time Students 98.1%
- Part-Time Students 1.9%
- Retention Rate 93.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 83.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 87.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of California-Santa Barbara
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Santa Barbara requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 33.0%, University of California-Santa Barbara is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Santa Barbara accepts 33.0% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Santa Barbara undergraduates. Economics, Sociology, and Research and Experimental Psychology draw the most students.
- Economics 9.9%
- Sociology 9.8%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 9.2%
- Communication and Media Studies 8.8%
- Biology, General 5.5%
- Statistics 5.0%
See more majors
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 4.8%
- Political Science and Government 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $172,854
- 2. Computer Engineering $151,337
- 3. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering $144,784
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Chemical Engineering $114,108
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $114,088
- 6. Economics $108,010
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $107,773
- 8. Physics $104,045
- 9. Pharmacology and Toxicology $102,973
- 10. Applied Mathematics $101,967
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Materials Sciences (Doctoral Degree) $182,045
- 2. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $156,376
- 3. Psychology, Other (Doctoral Degree) $112,826
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree) $90,557
- 5. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $82,967
- 6. Education, General (Master's Degree) $82,946
- 7. Education, General (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $75,458
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $172,854—70% more than Applied Mathematics ($101,967). Graduate: Materials Sciences programs lead with $182,045 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for University of California-Santa Barbara. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 696 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 692 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 650 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 620 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 391 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (53 programs)▼
- Economics
- Sociology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Statistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Computer Science
- History
- International/Globalization Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Chemical Engineering
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Area Studies
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Dance
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
Online Master's Degrees (45 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Data Science
- Physics
- Statistics
- Music
- Economics
- Psychology, Other
- Materials Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Communication and Media Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- International/Globalization Studies
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
Online Doctoral Degrees (45 programs)▼
- Physics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Materials Sciences
- Computer Science
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Education, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Psychology, Other
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Statistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- History
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Music
- International/Globalization Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Mechanical Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Mathematics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Psychology, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Psychology, Other
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 23,113
- Full-Time Students 98.1%
- Part-Time Students 1.9%
- Male Students 42.4%
- Female Students 57.6%
- Caucasian 31.8%
- Asian 17.9%
- Hispanic 27.2%
- Black 2.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Santa Barbara's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Santa Barbara's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Santa Barbara support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Santa Barbara, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Santa Barbara has a diverse student body, with 31.8% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Santa Barbara support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Santa Barbara, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #98 overall, University of California-Santa Barbara combines competitive admissions with 105.2% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $75,977 in median earnings.
Students graduate within 150% of normal time at a 83.6% rate, with 93.0% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $16,807 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 290 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of California-Santa Barbara's Market Position
A grade | #98 of 1955 | 95.0/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of California-Santa Barbara occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 105.2% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $16,807 annually produces $75,977 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of California-Santa Barbara should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of California-Santa Barbara's #98 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 290 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 83.6% graduation rate sits 21.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.0% first-year retention is 16.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 105.2% return on investment is 55.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $75,977 run about 23% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $16,807 is roughly $3,074 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 93.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.1% employment rate within three years sits 23.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.7% trails the national share by 6.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of California-Santa Barbara, a public university in Santa Barbara, CA, secures an A grade in our latest review. It holds a #98 overall ranking Category results include Completion (A), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 93.0% of first-year students return; 83.6% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 87.5%. The reported ROI is 105.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,807 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,833.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,026 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,776 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $75,977 five years after graduation. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 105.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
33.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Santa Barbara admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of California-Santa Barbara: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-santa-barbara/
MLA (9th): “University of California-Santa Barbara: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-santa-barbara/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of California-Santa Barbara: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-santa-barbara/.
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other California campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of California-Santa Barbara's acceptance rate?
University of California-Santa Barbara's acceptance rate is 33.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does University of California-Santa Barbara cost?
At University of California-Santa Barbara, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,807 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $44,833 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $16,989. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of California-Santa Barbara's ranking?
University of California-Santa Barbara ranks #98 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of California-Santa Barbara's graduation rate?
At University of California-Santa Barbara, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 83.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 87.5%, and first-year retention is 93.0%.
What are University of California-Santa Barbara's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-Santa Barbara report median earnings of $75,977 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of California-Santa Barbara's student population?
University of California-Santa Barbara enrolls about 23,113 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
- Website www.ucsb.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$377.0M