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UC Santa Barbara: Ranking, Acceptance Rate, Cost, & Admissions 2024
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The application deadline to submit the online university application at UC Santa Barbara is between Nov 1, 2024, to Nov 30, 2024.
- The University of California Santa Barbara takes admissions on a rolling basis, meaning, international students can apply throughout the year.
- About UC Santa Barbara
- UC Santa Barbara Programs 2024
- UC Santa Barbara Scholarships
- UC Santa Barbara Admission Deadlines 2024
- UC Santa Barbara Admission Requirements & Fees 2024
- UCSB Student Reviews
- UC Santa Barbara Placements
- UC Santa Barbara Rankings 2024
- UCSB College comparison
- Study in the USA
- UCSB FAQs
About UC Santa Barbara
The University of California Santa Barbara is a public land-grant research university located in Santa Barbara, US. UC Santa Barbara has a ranking of #163 according to the QS World Rankings 2024. UC Santa Barbara houses over 26,000+ students and an outstanding team of qualified and distinguished faculty members. UC Santa Barbara operates at a global level and has several collaborations with international institutions. UC Santa Barbara's career services put great efforts into enhancing students' employability and providing them with employment opportunities. The UCSB Library holds three million volumes, 60,000 square feet of new space and the Summit cafe.
UC Santa Barbara is among the top 5 public universities in the United States as per Forbes Magazine. The University of California Santa Barbara is home to 10 national institutes and centres along and renowned faculty including six Nobel Prize winners. UC Santa Barbara was ranked #10 on Princeton Review's 2022 Top 50 Green Schools list, which recognizes - superb sustainability practices, a strong foundation in sustainability education, and a healthy quality of life for students on campus. As per the US News and World Report, UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate is 26%. This is due to the massive popularity of UC Santa Barbara among international students and competitive admission process.
Others
54%
Hispanic
25%
Asian
18%
Black
1%
In state
77%
Foreign
12%
Out of state
9%
24 and under
97%
25 and over
2%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: Is UCLA or UCSB harder to get into?
Both UCLA and UCSB are prestigious universities, but admission difficulty depends on various factors. Meanwhile, UCLA has a lower acceptance rate at 11%. Suggesting high competition, it’s important to note that the acceptance rate alone doesn’t capture the whole picture, and applicants must meet all the requirements. Coming to University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate is 29%, and the applicant pool can make it difficult to get into the university. However, the nature of programs, specific requirements, and the applicant pool can influence difficulty. Factors such as LORs, SOP, and interviews also play very crucial roles. Overall, both institutions are competitive, and applicants should focus on meeting each university-specific criteria rather than just relying on the acceptance rate.
Q: Can an average student get into UCSB?
University of California Santa Barbara is surely one of the toughest universities to get into. The University of California Santa Barbara has just an acceptance rate of 29%, which means only wenty nine students can get into the university out of hundreds. Hence it could be difficult for a mediocre or an average student to get into the University of California Santa Barbara. However, it’s not impossible. The basic requirement the university asks for is a GPA of 3.4 or a GPA or above from an accredited university and a good ELP score. Lastly, the University of California Santa Barbara takes a holistic approach and doesn’t just consider marks but sees multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.
Q: Is University of California Santa Barbara hard to get into?
UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate is 29%. With such a low acceptance rate, it is very hard to get into the university. UC Santa Barbara is very selective in admissions. International students applying for various programs at UC Santa Barbara should check the admission eligibility and admission deadline for their courses.
Q: How much does it cost to live on University of California, Santa Barbara?
The University of California Santa Barbara offers housing options for students, both on and off-campus. These accommodations include residence halls, apartments for both undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty housing. The residence halls are equipped with essential amenities such as beds, internet access, furniture, tables, bathrooms, and a communal kitchen. The university provides housing services and residential support for both undergraduate and graduate students. All apartments feature private lockable bedrooms and come fully furnished. Each bedroom is carpeted and includes an extra-long full-size bed, a closet, a bookcase, a drawer, and a desk with a chair for each student. The cost of accomodations at University of California, Santa Barbara are given below:
Q: Which is the best course in University of California, Santa Barbara?
The University of California Santa Barbara provides a wide selection of both graduate and undergraduate courses for international students. Among the favoured options are subjects like Art, Sciences, Languages, Sports, Engineering, Philosophy, Film and Media, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Environmental Science, and Psychology. University of California, Santa Barbara offers over 90 graduate and 50 postgraduate programmes. Talking about a specific best course may be subjective, and can vary from individual to individual according to their goals and preferences. Students are advised to carefully go through the course curriculum by visiting the official website of the University of California, Santa Barbara and make their choice of course accordingly.
UC Santa Barbara Programs 2024
The University of California Santa Barbara offers more than 200+ majors, degrees and credentials including 90+ undergraduate majors and more than 50+ graduate programs. As per the US News and World Report, some of the most popular courses at UC Santa Barbara are: Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, Communication, Journalism, Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Foreign Languages & Literature, etc.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: What are the duration of the PG courses in University of California, Santa Barbara?
The length of postgraduate (PG) programmes at the University of California, Santa Barbara can vary depending on the specific programme you choose. Generally, most PG courses last for 12 months, divided into two semesters. However, a few postgradute programmes at the University of Santa Barbara have a duration of 24 months (2 years), which includes four semesters. For accurate information about the duration of a particular postgraduate course, it's advisable to visit the official University of California, Santa Barbara website or contact their admissions department for details about your preferred programme.
Q: In which schools and colleges are courses offered at UCSB?
Q: What are the requirements for studying MIM at University of California, Santa Barbara?
The University of California Santa Barbara provides a diverse array of academic programmes, with over 200 majors and degrees available, comprising 90 undergraduate and 50 graduate options. Students seeking admission at the University of California, Santa Barbara to pursue graduate studies, a bachelor's degree is mandatory. While the GRE exam is preferred for graduate programme applicants, the university does not specify a strict score requirement. However, applicants must achieve a reasonable score for admission. For international students from non-English speaking nations, proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS scores, is essential. The university does not consider applicants with IELTS scores below 6.5 for admission.
Q: Which is the better university for B.E. / B.Tech in USA, University of California, Santa Barbara or California College of the Arts?
When we look at the rankings of both University of California, Santa Barbara and California College of Arts, we can decifer which one is the better uiversity for students who are seeking admission to BTech courses. As per the QS rankings, California College of the Arts. On the other hand, the University of California, Santa Barbara is renowned for its offerings in the fields of arts, science, and engineering. According to THE (Times Higher Education), in 2023, it stands at the 64th position in the global university rankings. Over the past few years, the University of California, Santa Barbara has consistently maintained a place among the world's top-ranked universities in THE (Times Higher Education).
This can give you a better understanding of how the two American universities compare. It's recommended for students to do their own research by checking the college's official website, prospectus, or talking to the college administration or current students. These sources will offer the most accurate and current information about the unique features, facilities, partnerships, and other aspects that distinguish each university from others.
UC Santa Barbara Scholarships
UC Santa Barbara offers various scholarships and financial aid programs to international students. The scholarships are based on the merit and the financial needs of the students. Some scholarships and awards offered to international students are:
- Deans’ Award for Outstanding Senior – This award is offered to graduating seniors in the College of Letters and Science for outstanding performance.
- Frances Colville and Terry Dearborn Memorial Award – This is awarded to students with academic achievements in Mathematical, Life, or Physical Science majors programs.
- Luis Lean Social Sciences Undergraduate Award – This award is given to students for outstanding academic achievement in a Social Sciences major program.
- William R. Reardon Undergraduate Award - This award is given to students for academic achievement in Humanities and Fine Arts majors at UC Santa Barbara.
UC Santa Barbara Admission Deadlines 2024
UC Santa Barbara offers admissions in the Fall and Spring intakes every year. The admissions deadline will vary from program to program. Therefore, international students should check the admission deadlines before applying to UC Santa Barbara. The University of California, Santa Barbara admissions are done on a rolling basis. The important dates for international applicants are given as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submit UC Santa Barbara application | Oct 1 - Nov 30 |
|
Submit official transcripts |
Jul 1, 2024 |
| Submit Test Scores | Jul 15 |
- Application fees :USD 140 - 155
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Not required |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Important dates| Intake season | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | 1ˢᵗ Dec 2023 - 30ᵗʰ Nov 2024 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Is UCSB hard to get in?
University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate is 29% for international students, and it upholds its reputation as a highly selective institute. The university Admission process involves a thorough evaluation process, Considering academic excellence, essays, Letter of recommendation, SOP, extracurricular activities and many more. Applicants are suggested to approach the admission process with utter dedication, showcasing their strengths and talents to get into UCSB. Beyond the numerical, the university is a good choice for pursuing courses and degrees with an exceptional education and renowned faculty.
Q: What is the application deadline for international students at the University of California Santa Barbara?
The University of California, Santa Barbara's application deadline for international students for 2024 is November 30, 2023. However, the university offers admission on a rolling basis. That means applicants can apply throughout the year.
Q: What are some tips and hacks for incoming freshmen at UC Santa Barbara?
Some of the tips for students starting their first semester at the UC Santa Barbara are:
Students who apply for UC Santa Barbara must be humble and should interact with as many people as possible. Mainly beacause, the more people you talk to the better knowledge you get.
Attend as many gatherings and parties as much as you can.
Applicants should avoid missing classes, as 70% of learning comes from students going to classes.
Students can get involved with extracurricular activities, i.e., joining university clubs, sports, etc. This will also look good on a portfolio in the long run.
Q: How many international students are studying in University of California, Santa Barbara?
The University of California, Santa Barbara had a very low acceptance rate of 29.6% in 2020. They are highly selective in their admissions process, favoring applicants with strong SAT scores ranging from 1230 to 1480 or ACT scores between 27 and 34. However, meeting these minimum requirements doesn't guarantee admission.
Additionally, some programmes at the university may require interviews and portfolios as part of the application process. The University of California, Santa Barbara is home to a diverse student body, with a total enrollment of over 25,000 students, including 5,162 international students. Among the international students, 3,911 are undergraduates, and 1,251 are graduate students. The majority of these international students come from countries such as China, India, South Korea, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Q: What are the requirements to join University of California, Santa Barbara?
The University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university offering more than 200 majors and degrees. With more than 90 undergraduate and 50 graduate programmes, The University of California, Santa Barbara offers courses across economics, science, writing & literature, engineering, accounting, media, arts and others. Students seeking admission to The University of California, Santa Barbara for undergraduate courses are required to be at least 18 years old. Furthermore, aspiring students must possess a minimum class 12 qualification from a recognised educational institution. They should maintain an average GPA of 4.14 for admission to the University. Some programs at the University of California, Santa Barbara also consider SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, international applicants from non-English speaking countries must meet English language proficiency requirements through tests like IELTS/TOEFL, providing a valid score.
UC Santa Barbara Admission Requirements & Fees 2024
The minimum admission requirements for international students will vary from course to course. International students should check the admission deadlines before applying for their course at the University of California Santa Barbara. The admission requirements for Indian Students are given as follows:
- Completion of All India Senior School Certificate
- Higher Secondary School Certificate with a minimum 70%
- Completion of 10th and 12th year Board or State Examinations
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- SAT/ACT scores
For Graduate applicants, the requirements are given as follows:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- SOP/ Personal History
- Resume/CV
- Letters of Recommendation
- GRE Scores
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(16 courses) | INR 22 L - 46 L | Duration: 9 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 - 100, Duolingo: 120 - 130 |
B.E. / B.Tech(7 courses) | INR 39 L - 41 L | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
B.Sc.(22 courses) | INR 39 L - 41 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
B.A.(40 courses) | INR 39 L - 41 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
M.A.(15 courses) | INR 22 L - 26 L | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above |
B.Pharma(1 course) | INR 39 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
BBA(2 courses) | INR 39 L - 41 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
Others UG(1 course) | INR 39 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
Others PG(3 courses) | INR 22 L | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 25 L | Duration: 9 months Exam Accepted: GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: What is the eligibity criteria for indian students to avail scholarships at University of California, Santa Barbara?
University of California, Santa Barbara provides a range of scholarships and financial assistance programs for international students. These scholarships are granted based on students' academic excellence and financial needs. Some of the scholarships and awards available to international students include:
Deans’ Award for Outstanding Senior: This award is bestowed upon graduating seniors in the College of Letters and Science who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance.
Frances Colville and Terry Dearborn Memorial Award: This scholarship is granted to students who have excelled in academic programs related to Mathematical, Life, or Physical Sciences.
Luis Lean Social Sciences Undergraduate Award: This award recognizes students who have achieved remarkable academic success in a Social Sciences major program.
William R. Reardon Undergraduate Award: Students pursuing majors in Humanities and Fine Arts at the university are eligible for this award, which is presented in recognition of their academic accomplishments.
Q: What is the fees for attendance at UC Santa Barbara?
The cost of attendance for undergraduate students applying for admissions at UCSB is around USD 69,00. Read on for the exact costs:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 13,104 |
| Campus Based Fees | USD 1,881 |
| Books And Supplies | USD 1,344 |
| Health Care Allowance | USD 3,033 |
| Loan Fees | USD 60 |
| Room and Board | USD 16,515 |
| Personal Expenses | USD 1,440 |
| Telephone/Cell Phone | USD 369 |
| Transportation | USD 603 |
| Non-Resident Tuition Fee | USD 31,026 |
| Total | USD 69,375 |
Q: Can an average indian student from tier 2 / tier 3 cities join University of California, Santa Barbara?
The University of California, Santa Barbara is a renowned public university which is a popular choice for students all around the world who are seeking higher studies across a wide array of fields such as engineering, accounting, writing, literature, science, arts, music, media and others. The University of California, Santa Barbara is accredited by the Western Association of Schools of Colleges (WASC). In 2020, the university accepted only about 30% of applicants, to be exact, it was 29.6%. The university has high standards for admission, favouring students with SAT scores between 1230 and 1480 or ACT scores ranging from 27 to 34. An average Indian student from tier 2/tier 3 cities has a good chance to get admission at the University of California, Santa Barbara if she/he can meet the eligibility criteria of the respective course.
Q: What is the minimum score required for IELTS in University of California, Santa Barbara for indian students?
International students coming from non-English speaking countries like India are required to show their English Language Proficiency by qualifying IELTS with a qualified score. However, the University of California, Santa Barbara also accepts other English Language Proficiency test scores such as TOEFL/ Duolingo (DET) and others. Indian students seeking admission at the University of California, Santa Barbara for undergraduate programmes are required to have a minimum band of 6.5 in IELTS. For graduate programmes, the University of California, Santa Barbara accepts IELTS scores which are no less than 7 from international students for admissions.
Q: Can students apply for Part-time jobs while studying at University of California, Santa Barbara?
Students studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara can certainly apply for part-time jobs, while studying. The university allows its students to enrol into part-time jobs while pursuing their studies and offers internships and on or off-campus part-time jobs to students. If you're an international student, you'll need a valid work permit to work in the country. While you're studying at the university during a regular session, you can work for up to 20 hours. During breaks and holidays, you're allowed to work up to 40 hours. UC Santa Barbara offers different job opportunities on campus. You can access these openings by logging into the university portal or by checking out the on-campus job fair at the start of the semester.
UCSBStudents Ratings & Reviews
16 Verified Reviews
- Fun loving
- Multi-dimensional
- Friendly
- Sporty
- 6% students never faced discrimination in this university
UC Santa Barbara Placements
UC Santa Barbara offers a range of internships to international students through which they can get academic credit and gain valuable experience as well as skills. Some of the types of internships and services offered by the university are given as follows:
- Park Dewey- Micro Internships
- Leading Internships Websites
- Proactive Searching for Employers
- Fairs, Events and Networking
- Capital Internship Program
Top Recruiters
UC Santa Barbara Rankings 2024
The University of California Santa Barbara rankings are always placed among the top universities in the world by major global ranking bodies. UC Santa Barbara is one of the most prestigious and top-public research universities in the United States. Check below the University of California Santa Barbara rankings by the major ranking bodies.
| Ranked By | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
|
QS - World University Ranking |
149 | 163 |
|
THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking |
64 | 69 |
|
US News & World Report - Global Universities |
67 | NA |
|
US News & World Report - National University Ranking |
32 | NA |
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: What is the world ranking of University of California Santa Barbara?
As per US News & World Report - Global Universities, University of California, Santa Barbara ranks at #67 for the year 2022. Whereas, THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking for UCSB stands at #68 for the year 2022. Get more details at: University of California, Santa Barbara Ranking
UCSBCollege comparison
Compare UCSB with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
UCSB | INR 22.37 L - 46.12 L | A+ | #178 QS, 2025 |
UC Davis  Compare | INR 22.59 L - 54.56 L | A+ | #130 QS, 2025 |
UCI Compare | INR 21.87 L - 37.76 L | A+ | #307 QS, 2025 |
UC Riverside Compare | INR 23.06 L - 25.3 L | A | #497 QS, 2025 |
USF Compare | INR 16.79 L - 47.63 L | B+ | #1201 QS, 2025 |
UCSD Compare | INR 22.59 L - 31.69 L | A+ | #72 QS, 2025 |
Study in the USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
Q: How to apply for an USA visa?
If you are aiming to apply for a visa to the USA, you can follow the following steps:
- If you are applying for a USA visa as a student, then you are required to apply and get an admission acceptance letter from a US university or college. This includes obtaining an I-20 form (for F-1 visas) or a DS-2019 form (for J-1 visas) from your institution.
- After getting the acceptance letter from a US-based college/university, pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee and apply for the visa.
- Now, fill out the DS-160 form online through the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and after receiving the form collect the DS-160 confirmation page.
- Pay the VISA fee through the online portal of the US embassy and consulate.
- Schedule a visa interview appointment.
- Qualify for the scheduled visa interview and submit the required documents
UCSB FAQs
Q: How to get a part-time job while studying in University of California, Santa Barbara?
International students who are studying undergraduate or graduate programmes at the University of California, Santa Barbara can enrol in on or off-campus part-time jobs. International students who are studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara and looking for part-time jobs are required to have a mandatory legal work permit. If international students have a legal permit to work, then they are allowed to work for 20 hours, simultaneously studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The University of California, Santa Barbara offers various on-campus jobs and internship opportunities to students. Students can log in to the university's portal and can look for on-campus job opportunities. Furthermore, the University of California, Santa Barbara organises job fairs at the beginning of the semester, for students to explore part-time job opportunities while studying.
UCSB
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
The University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate decreases from 27.78% in 2023-24 to 33% in 2024-25. The university received over 110,000 applications for undergraduate admission among which around 30,000 students are admitted at the university. The below table includes the UC Santa Barbar
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers an MBA program in Economics for international students. The cost of studying MBA (first year) is around INR 25 L and the duration of the program is 9 months. Mentioned below are the admission criteria to study MBA at the university:
- Complete a bachel
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The UCSB acceptance rate is around 33%, which makes admission moderately competitive for international students. Therefore, it may be difficult to get admission to the University of California, Santa Barbara for applicants. They must meet all the entry requirements and submit the application by the
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
University of California Santa Barbara is a competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 26%. This figure tells us that only 26 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is less than half of all the applicants. However, students must note get
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 months ago
The University of California Santa Barbara offers a variety of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The tuition fee for international students at the university may vary from course to course. Therefore, international students are advised to check the fees for their courses before a
Contributor-Level 10
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| University City | Santa Barbara, California, USA |
| Size of city | Small |
| Population of City | 92,101 |
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Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States
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