UC Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate 2025
Quick Answer
UC Santa Barbara’s acceptance rate for 2025 stands at approximately 33%, making it a highly selective institution. As of April 2026, in-state tuition is $16,414 annually, while out-of-state tuition reaches $50,614. Graduates earn a median of $74,915 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the strong career outcomes associated with a UC Santa Barbara degree.
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Learn More →Acceptance Snapshot
UC Santa Barbara maintains a competitive acceptance rate of 32.97% as of the 2025 admissions cycle. This selective rate reflects the university’s position as one of California’s premier public research institutions. With a student body of 23,113 undergraduates and graduate students combined, UCSB receives applications from tens of thousands of prospective students annually, yet admits only about one in three.
The university’s acceptance rate places it among the most selective public universities in the United States. This competitive landscape means that applicants should view admission as uncertain even with strong credentials, and should prepare accordingly with well-crafted applications and backup school selections.
SAT & ACT Scores
Note: Detailed 25th-75th percentile SAT and ACT composite score ranges are not included in the available data for this cycle. Prospective students should visit the official UC Santa Barbara admissions website or contact the admissions office directly for current middle 50% test score ranges, as these figures are updated annually and are critical for self-assessment during the application process.
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Learn More →Tuition & Costs
UC Santa Barbara’s cost structure reflects its status as a University of California campus:
Annual Tuition & Fees:
- In-State Tuition & Fees: $16,414
- Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $50,614
These figures represent the direct instructional costs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students should note that total cost of attendance typically includes room and board, books, supplies, and personal expenses beyond tuition. The average net price for students (after accounting for grants and aid) is $16,109, suggesting that financial aid significantly reduces the sticker price for many students.
For out-of-state students, the tuition differential of $34,200 annually represents a substantial additional investment, though many out-of-state students receive merit or need-based aid that reduces this burden.
Financial Aid Overview
UC Santa Barbara provides significant financial support to its student body. The average net price of $16,109 indicates that, on average, students pay substantially less than the published tuition after grants and aid are applied. This figure is particularly notable for in-state students, where it falls just below in-state tuition, suggesting robust aid packages.
Students borrowing to finance their education graduate with a median debt of $13,993, which is reasonable relative to the institution’s cost and post-graduation earnings. This debt level suggests that UCSB’s financial aid and relatively affordable in-state tuition help keep student borrowing manageable.
Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and explore both need-based and merit-based aid opportunities through the university’s financial aid office.
Graduation Rates
UC Santa Barbara demonstrates strong academic outcomes with a completion rate of 84.25%. This six-year graduation rate exceeds the national average for public four-year institutions, reflecting the university’s academic support systems, student engagement, and institutional commitment to student success.
The 84.25% completion rate indicates that the vast majority of UCSB students who enroll persist to degree completion, a positive signal for prospective students considering the institution’s academic environment and support infrastructure.
Post-Graduation Earnings
Graduates of UC Santa Barbara earn a median of $74,915 ten years after enrollment, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. This figure places UCSB among higher-earning public universities and reflects the strong career outcomes and earning potential associated with a UCSB degree.
These earnings vary significantly by field of study, with engineering, computer science, and business graduates typically earning above the median, while graduates in humanities and social sciences may cluster below it. The overall median of $74,915 suggests that UCSB provides solid return on investment for most graduates, particularly when considering in-state tuition costs.
Popular Majors
Note: Specific data on the top 10 majors by degrees awarded is not included in the available dataset. Prospective students interested in UCSB’s academic offerings should visit the university’s official website or contact the Registrar’s Office for current information on degree production by major. UCSB offers over 200 undergraduate majors and minors across its colleges of Engineering, Letters and Science, and Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Demographics
Note: Detailed enrollment breakdowns by race/ethnicity and gender are not included in the available data for this reporting period. For comprehensive demographic information about UCSB’s current student body, prospective students should consult the university’s Institutional Research office or review the Common Data Set published annually by the institution.
Related Guides
- UC Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate 2026: 33% Admissions
- UC Davis Acceptance Rate 2025: 41.8% Admissions
- UC Irvine Acceptance Rate 2025: 28.6% Admissions
- UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate 2025 | Admissions Data
- UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate 2026 | Admissions Data
FAQ
What is UC Santa Barbara’s acceptance rate?
UC Santa Barbara’s acceptance rate for the 2025 admissions cycle is approximately 33%, making it a highly selective institution. This means that roughly one in three applicants are admitted. The competitive nature of admissions means that strong grades, test scores, and extracurricular involvement are essential for competitive applications.
How much does it cost to attend UC Santa Barbara?
In-state tuition and fees are $16,414 per year, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $50,614 annually. However, the average net price (what students actually pay after financial aid) is $16,109, significantly lower than the published rate. Total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other expenses, will be higher and varies by individual circumstances.
What do UC Santa Barbara graduates earn?
According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, UC Santa Barbara graduates earn a median of $74,915 ten years after enrollment. This figure represents strong earning potential and reflects the quality of education and career preparation students receive at the institution.
What is the graduation rate at UC Santa Barbara?
UC Santa Barbara has a completion rate of 84.25%, meaning that approximately 84 out of every 100 students who enroll graduate within six years. This rate exceeds national averages for public four-year institutions and indicates strong student success and institutional support.
How much financial aid does UC Santa Barbara provide?
UC Santa Barbara provides substantial financial aid, with an average net price of $16,109 after grants and scholarships. Students typically graduate with a median debt of $13,993. The university offers both need-based and merit-based aid; prospective students should complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal and institutional aid.
Is UC Santa Barbara more selective than other UC schools?
With a 33% acceptance rate, UC Santa Barbara is among the more selective University of California campuses, though specific comparisons depend on the particular UC school in question. Uc System Acceptance Rates Comparison provides context for how UCSB compares to other UC institutions.
What should I do to prepare my application to UC Santa Barbara?
Given UCSB’s selective 33% acceptance rate, applicants should focus on maintaining strong grades, particularly in rigorous coursework. While specific test score ranges are not provided in this dataset, prospective students should check the official UCSB admissions website for current SAT/ACT expectations. Additionally, craft thoughtful essays and seek leadership opportunities in extracurricular activities, as selective institutions evaluate the whole applicant.
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Learn More →Data Sources
All statistics and figures in this article are derived from the following official sources:
- U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): Enrollment, completion rates, and demographic data
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard: Admission rates, tuition and fees, net price, median debt, and median earnings
- Data Fetch Date: April 11, 2026
Prospective students and families are strongly encouraged to verify all current figures directly with UC Santa Barbara’s admissions and financial aid offices, as institutional data is updated regularly and may change. For the most recent SAT/ACT score ranges, application requirements, and financial aid policies, visit ucsb.edu/admissions or contact the university directly.