U

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California — 5221 Cheadle Hall, 93106

Annual Tuition $14,965
Enrollment 23,205
Acceptance Rate 27.8%
Median Salary $74,915

University of California-Santa Barbara is a leading Public institution located in Santa Barbara, California. Established to provide high-quality education, University of California-Santa Barbara offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

University of California-Santa Barbara Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Santa Barbara, California
Type Public
Total Enrollment 23,205 students
Median Salary $74,915

University of California-Santa Barbara — Institution Overview

Institution Name University of California-Santa Barbara
Location Santa Barbara, California
Official Website https://www.ucsb.edu/
Address 5221 Cheadle Hall
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Institution Type Public
Total Students 23,205

University of California-Santa Barbara Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 27.8% Highly Selective
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

University of California-Santa Barbara Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $14,965
Out-of-State Tuition $45,742
Pell Grant Rate 28%
Median Debt (Completers) $13,993

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

University of California-Santa Barbara cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $7,745/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $8,910/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $11,398/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $16,839/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $7,745 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from University of California-Santa Barbara, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Physics. salary after University of California-Santa Barbara

Doctoral Degree
High earning
2yr salary $95,688 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
2

Chemistry. salary after University of California-Santa Barbara

Doctoral Degree
High earning
2yr salary $94,408 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
3

Computer Science. salary after University of California-Santa Barbara

Bachelor's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $81,554 median/yr
Median debt $11,000 at graduation
Salary/debt 741% ROI ratio
1yr: $107,776 4yr: $118,830

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

University of California-Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

27.8% Highly Selective

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 23,205
Undergrad 20,369
Retention Rate 91.9% full-time
Full-Time Students 97.6%

Courses and Academic Programs at University of California-Santa Barbara

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Sociology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,430
Economics.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,398
Research and Experimental Psychology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,146
Communication and Media Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 979
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 745
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Bachelor's
Graduates 735
International/Global Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 656
Political Science and Government.
Bachelor's
Graduates 612
Statistics.
Bachelor's
Graduates 472
English Language and Literature, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 368
Showing top 10 of 131 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at University of California-Santa Barbara

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $74,915 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $56,852
Graduation Rate 85.3% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — University of California-Santa Barbara
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $56,852
10 Years After Entry $74,915
Is University of California-Santa Barbara Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $13,825
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $74,915
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 596200%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at University of California-Santa Barbara

Total Students 23,205
Undergrad 20,369
Graduate 2,836
Retention Rate 91.9% full-time

Gender Breakdown

57%
43%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 97.6%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
31.7%
Hispanic
26%
Asian
18.7%
International
9.8%
Two or More Races
8.9%
Unknown / Unreported
2.7%
Black
2%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 42.4%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 72.8%
💍
Married Students 0.6%
📅
Students Age 25+ 2.2%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 63.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $73,046
Average Family Income $56,328
Median Family Income $36,166

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

58.1%
41.9%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Barbara participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 28% of students
Federal Loan Rate 20.2% of students
Avg Net Price $13,825 after aid
Median Debt $13,993 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $13,993
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $7,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $23,500

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact University of California-Santa Barbara's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

University of California-Santa Barbara Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.3%
Median Graduate Salary $74,915
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms University of California-Santa Barbara meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for University of California-Santa Barbara

Frequently Asked Questions about University of California-Santa Barbara

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 27.8%, making it a highly selective institution.

How much is tuition at University of California-Santa Barbara?

Tuition at University of California-Santa Barbara is $14,965 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of California-Santa Barbara?

Graduates of University of California-Santa Barbara earn a median salary of $74,915 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is University of California-Santa Barbara located?

University of California-Santa Barbara is located at 5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, California 93106. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

View Methodology & E-E-A-T Compliance