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University of California-Santa Barbara

#45 in US ranking Santa Barbara, CA
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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University of California-Santa Barbara award
University of California-Santa Barbara award

Cost

Cost / year
$44,833
Tuition & fees
$16,035
Avg. aid
$20,405
Receiving aid
61%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
33%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
83%
Median salary
$45,501
1 yr after graduation

What are the popular events and traditions at University of California-Santa Barbara?

UCSB's recurring events include student programming, academic talks, performances, and alumni gatherings. Extravaganza, organized through Associated Students Program Board, is a documented campus concert tradition rather than a required part of student life.

The annual All Gaucho Reunion brings alumni back for events that reconnect graduates with the university. UCSB Arts & Lectures also presents a continuing schedule of performances and talks open to students and the wider community. Dates, venues, admission rules, and lineups change, so students interested in a particular event should consult that year's calendar.

What are the student housing and dining options at University of California-Santa Barbara?

UCSB offers university-operated undergraduate housing, including residence halls and apartment-style options. Living on campus is possible, but housing availability should not be confused with a guarantee for every applicant. Students need to follow the housing application process and review the eligibility and contract terms for their class year.

Residence-hall arrangements commonly pair housing with a meal plan, while apartment options may have different dining requirements. UCSB operates campus dining facilities and other food outlets, so the most economical choice depends partly on how often a student expects to eat on campus. Many students also live in privately operated housing in Isla Vista or elsewhere in the area. Off-campus applicants should compare lease length, deposits, utilities, transportation, and roommate arrangements alongside rent; UCSB's off-campus housing resources can help them understand the process without guaranteeing a particular listing.

University of California-Santa Barbara Campus Life

College owned housing available

Yes

Co-ed housing

Yes

Freshmen can park on campus

No

Highspeed speed internet

No

University of California-Santa Barbara Campus at a Glance

Student-to-faculty ratio
18:1
Undergraduates living on campus
37%
Campus size
1,055 acres

University of California-Santa Barbara Library Services and Resources

Main library name

UCSB Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of California-Santa Barbara Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of California-Santa Barbara Location & Map

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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