University of California-Santa Barbara

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Average Rating: 58.7 Average Consensus: 69 Average Review: 76.8
80.3
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
76.8
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
83.8
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.8
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
26%
Percent Admitted
69%
4-year Graduation Rate
26,420
Enrollment
17.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$19,654
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$14,617
In-State Tuition and Fees
$44,689
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Public, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

On the southern California coast is the town of Santa Barbara, a college town that hosts the University of California at Santa Barbara. UCSB, as it is known, is one of ten campuses in the University of California system. Founded in 1891 as a teachers college, UCSB joined the University system in 1944. Situated on over 1000 acres of rich southern California real estate, the college enjoys the warm climate and fair weather provided by its latitude. Santa Barbara is also home to Raytheon Electronic Systems (the largest non-educational/non-governmental service employer). UCSB alumni include many Nobel Prize winners in the science fields as well as actors Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Academic Programs

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, UCSB contains 3 colleges (College of Creative Studies; College of Engineering and College of Letters and Science) and 2 schools (the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management and the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education). The largest programs are in Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology and Political Science), Biology and Psychology. Specific accreditation is awarded by the American Psychological Association and there are available internships within this department. UCSB offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates. According to the published mission statement, the school “is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Because teaching and research go hand in hand at UC Santa Barbara, our students are full participants in an educational journey of discovery that stimulates independent thought, critical reasoning, and creativity. Our academic community of faculty, students and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society.”

Student Life

Over 23,000 students attend the University and activities abound. There are myriad clubs and organizations based on interests, affinities and field of study as well as intramural sports. On campus housing includes 10 residence halls as well as apartments (for students and families). Athletically, UCSB fields teams in 10 sports in the NCAA Division 1-AAA; the blue and gold Gauchos have strong rivalries within the conference. Campus Core Values are best articulated in the statement: UCSB is known for its collaborative culture, entrepreneurial spirit and groundbreaking innovations across the disciplines. But even here, there is room for some unconventional traditions (like throwing tortillas at Gaucho soccer (futbol) games!) During Finals week, students gather for an “Undie Run” (wearing just their… you get the idea) to relieve stress. All of this takes place where the average high temperature is never far from 70 and the average low is never far from 50 (and it only rains in the winter months)!

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?