University of California-Santa Barbara California

Research-intensive UC campus in Santa Barbara with a 27.8% acceptance rate and strong social sciences focus.

College statistics

Address:
5221 Cheadle Hall
Santa Barbara, CA
93106
Sector Group:
Public 4-Year or Above
Official Website:
www.ucsb.edu/
Setting:
Suburb
Research Activity Tier:
Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production
Economic Mobility Index:
Lower Access, Higher Earnings
Primary Undergraduate Major:
Social Sciences

UC Santa Barbara is a public research university in Santa Barbara, California, classified as a Research 1 institution with very high research spending and doctorate production. The campus enrolls 26,068 students and maintains a competitive admissions process with a 27.8% acceptance rate. Social Sciences is the primary undergraduate major, reflecting the institution's academic strengths across multiple disciplines.

In-state tuition is $12,260 annually, with a total cost of attendance of $32,539 including room and board. Out-of-state students pay $44,148 in tuition and face a total cost of $64,427. Many students receive financial aid and pay significantly less than the published rates. The campus attracts undergraduates and graduate students to a suburban setting near the California coast.

As a Research 1 institution, UCSB supports extensive doctoral programs and research across engineering, sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university is well-suited for students seeking strong academics in a research-focused environment with access to faculty-led inquiry and graduate-level opportunities. For more information, visit www.ucsb.edu/.