Overview
Founded in 1891 as an independent teachers' college, UC Santa Barbara joined the University of California system in 1944 and has since grown into one of the nation's leading public research universities. It is particularly celebrated for its physics, chemistry, and materials science programs, having produced multiple Nobel laureates among its faculty, and it holds an Association of American Universities membership and top-tier Carnegie R1 research classification. The university is consistently ranked among the best public universities in the country and is known for pioneering interdisciplinary research in engineering and the sciences.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Santa Barbara, California |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Total students | 26,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 26% |
| Graduation rate | 86% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,300 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $46,400 |
| Room & board | $17,500 |
| Average financial aid | $19,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 63% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1260-1470 |
| ACT range | 27-33 |
| Average GPA | 4.15 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Marine Biology
- Computer Science
- Economics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.