Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California Β· Suburb: MidsizeOfficial Website β†—

#81
Nationally
#13
In California
28%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$11,834
In-State Tuition
per year
86%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
23,232
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
68/100
Good
#81 nationally
#13 in California
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes86
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity67
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth83

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

University of California-Santa Barbara is a public four-year university located in Santa Barbara, California. With 23,232 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 28%, the institution is considered selective. In-state tuition is $11,834 per year ($42,611 out-of-state), near the national average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 86%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate28%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
110,871
Applied
30,804
Admitted
5,043
Enrolled
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$11,834/yr
In-State Fees$3,131/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$42,611/yr
Room & Board$20,166/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$35,131/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$65,908/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$11,834↓ Below avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate86%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
23,232
Total Undergrads
57% F / 43% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 32%
Hispanic 26%
Black 2%
Asian 19%
Two or more 9%
International 10%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 86%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Room and board costs ($20,166/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for academically high-achieving students looking for a competitive environment, in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, and students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationSanta Barbara, California
SettingSuburb: Midsize
Size20,000+
State Ranking
#13
in California out of 7+ colleges
#81
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.