University of California-Santa BarbaraUniversity of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · West
- Acceptance rate
- 33.0%
- Cost after aid
- $16,109
- Graduation rate
- 83%
About University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Barbara is a large public university in Santa Barbara, CA, in a city setting.
What University of California-Santa Barbara looks for
With an acceptance rate around 33%, the application readers spend less time per file than they do at the most selective schools, but they still read. A solid GPA, strong letters, and an essay that sounds like you wrote it yourself go a long way here. The biggest unforced error: a generic supplement essay. Even moderately selective schools notice when you have not bothered to learn anything about them.
Frequently asked
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Santa Barbara admits roughly 33% of applicants. Selective, but stats inside the middle 50% put you in real contention.
What does University of California-Santa Barbara actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $16,109 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is University of California-Santa Barbara a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat University of California-Santa Barbara as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.
