
1210 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2014, USA


The University of California-Santa Barbara is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
University of California-Santa Barbara maintains selective admission standards that require applicants to have completed secondary education with a strong academic record. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is necessary for those not finishing high school in the traditional manner. The institution requires submission of high school transcripts and awarding of credit for college-level programs prior to enrollment.
Applicants must submit proof of English proficiency by providing TOEFL test scores. While some elements such as recommendations, competencies, admission test scores beyond TOEFL, and other tests are recommended, they are not mandatory. The university does not operate under an open admission policy, nor does it accept dual credit or provide college credits for prior learning except for Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
Admissions competition is intense, with over 110,000 applicants vying for approximately 30,800 admission spots annually, reflecting a very low acceptance rate near 28%. Enrollment figures highlight that around 5,000 students matriculate, with a higher proportion of women enrolling compared to men. Though standardized test score details are not publicly disclosed, applicants are advised to meet recommended testing guidelines to strengthen their candidacy.
The University of California-Santa Barbara charges an application fee for prospective undergraduate students. This fee must be paid at the time of submission to process the application. The amount of the fee is set to help cover administrative costs associated with application evaluation and processing.
Students who demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible to request a fee waiver. The university offers these waivers to ensure that the application fee does not hinder access for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligibility criteria for fee waivers align with guidelines typically established by standardized application platforms.
Fee waivers must usually be requested during the application process, and applicants may need to provide documentation or meet certain financial criteria to qualify. This accommodation aims to support equitable access to the admissions process for all prospective students.
University of California-Santa Barbara offers ROTC programs through branch units established directly on its campus. These programs allow students to participate in military training and leadership development while completing their academic studies. The presence of an on-campus ROTC unit means that students can engage with the program without needing to commute to a different institution, providing convenient access to military preparatory opportunities integrated into campus life.
University of California-Santa Barbara permits transfer students to apply for enrollment in the fall term. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate the continuation of previously earned coursework. Additionally, the university considers recommendations as part of its transfer admission process.
University of California-Santa Barbara offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic and cultural experience of its students. These programs include semester and year-long exchanges, faculty-led summer programs, and short-term faculty-based courses held in various international locations. Students can select from over 40 study abroad options spanning multiple disciplines, providing flexibility for those seeking to integrate global learning with their major fields of study.
The university maintains partnerships with institutions across Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. This network allows students to immerse themselves in different educational systems while earning credits that transfer back to their degree programs. Additionally, specialized programs focus on language acquisition, cultural immersion, and research projects, catering to different academic interests and goals.
Beyond the traditional semester programs, the university also facilitates internships abroad and service-learning experiences, offering practical and community-focused engagements overseas. These options support students looking for hands-on international work experience alongside their coursework.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall