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University of California-Santa Barbara

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

University of California-Santa Barbara award
University of California-Santa Barbara award
US ranking
position: 32
Tuition & fees per year: $16,950
Acceptance rate: 28.00%
Median alumni salary: $38,259
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does University of California-Santa Barbara offer in terms of athletics?

University of California-Santa Barbara has a diverse and active athletic program that competes primarily at the NCAA Division I level. The university offers a variety of sports for both men and women, fostering a competitive but inclusive environment for student-athletes. Students can participate in popular sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and baseball, as well as other programs like tennis and swimming.

The school is a member of the Big West Conference, where its teams regularly face regional rivals, enhancing school spirit and community engagement. The campus features modern facilities that support both training and competition, including stadiums and gyms designed to accommodate athletes and fans alike.

Beyond varsity sports, the university provides numerous intramural and club sports opportunities, allowing students to stay active and involved regardless of their skill level. This wide range of athletic options plays a significant role in campus life, promoting physical wellness and teamwork among students.

For those interested in attending, the athletics program offers not only competitive sport but also community, camaraderie, and a range of resources aimed at supporting student-athlete success both on and off the field.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of California-Santa Barbara?

The University of California-Santa Barbara offers a diverse and active campus environment with a significant student body comprising 9,329 men and 12,847 women. While detailed data about specific student organizations and associations is not available, the substantial enrollment numbers suggest a broad range of opportunities for student involvement across various interests and disciplines.

Who studies at University of California-Santa Barbara?

The student body at University of California-Santa Barbara is notably large, with a total enrollment of 6,942 students, placing it among the top 5% of universities by size. Freshmen comprise a significant portion, totaling 5,043, and transfer students add another 1,899, both categories also ranking very high nationally. This scale reflects a vibrant community with diverse academic entry points.

In terms of residency, the majority of students are in-state, representing 80% of the population, which is considered an average level but ranks in the top 35% compared to other institutions. Out-of-state students are relatively few, making up only 9% of enrollment and falling into the lower 25 percentiles. Domestic students overall make up 89%, a figure that sits comfortably in the average range nationally.

The university is also home to a relatively high proportion of students from foreign countries, accounting for 11%, which is quite significant and ranks within the top 15% of similar universities. This international presence contributes to the campus's cultural diversity.

Looking at age distribution, the undergraduate population is predominantly young, with the largest groups between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 9,357 undergraduates are aged 18-19, and 10,295 are aged 20-21. Older undergraduates exist but are far fewer, with numbers gradually decreasing in higher age brackets. Graduate students tend to be older, with the majority aged between 22 and 34, indicating a mix of traditional and non-traditional graduate learners.

Ethnic diversity at University of California-Santa Barbara is notable. Hispanic students number 6,447, ranking very high nationally and among the top 5%. White students account for 7,280 and rank in the top 15%, while Asian students form a substantial group of 4,546, also placing in the top 5%. Students identifying with two or more races total 1,829, an exceptionally high figure that stands at the very top percentile nationally. Other ethnic groups such as African American, Native American, and Pacific Islander students are present in more modest numbers, each mostly falling within average national ranges.

Overall, this composition reveals a student population that is not only large and predominantly young but also ethnically varied, with strong representation from Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. The mix of a primarily in-state student body alongside a significant international component further shapes the university's dynamic campus environment.

How does student life look like at University of California-Santa Barbara?

Student life at University of California-Santa Barbara offers a broad range of campus activities and support services aimed at enriching the college experience. The campus occupies a large 1,055-acre area, providing ample space for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Students have access to various cultural outlets, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a chorus, and a television station, fostering a vibrant creative environment.

In terms of student support, the university provides crucial services such as legal assistance, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and dedicated offices like the Veterans Affair Office and the Women's Center. These resources contribute to a supportive atmosphere addressing diverse student needs.

The university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17: 1, which is relatively favorable and suggests reasonable access to faculty guidance and mentorship. The campus community is notably diverse, with representation from 64 different countries, enhancing cross-cultural interactions and opportunities for global engagement among students.

What libraries are available to students at University of California-Santa Barbara?

University of California-Santa Barbara provides students access to two libraries, including the main facility known as Davidson Library. The university's library system is rated as average with a presence in the top 50% nationally for the number of libraries available on campus. Students benefit from a comprehensive range of services and resources designed to support their academic needs.

The libraries offer all-day access and maintain established hours to ensure availability for study and research. Facilities include physical spaces and study rooms that encourage collaborative and individual work. Digital access is fully supported, allowing students to utilize electronic resources conveniently from various locations.

The library staff are trained to assist students effectively, and the institution participates in shared collections, broadening the range of accessible materials beyond the campus holdings. Weekly service hours total 92, facilitating ample time for research and study activities throughout the week.

University of California-Santa Barbara Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

26133

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

4892

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1112 full time, 130 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of California-Santa Barbara Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Davidson Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

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 Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of California-Santa Barbara Location & Map