University of California-Santa Barbara
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 39(↓4) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: UCSB | UC Santa Barbara
School Characteristics: Private (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Quarter
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Henry T Yang (Chancellor)
Website: www.ucsb.edu/; Phone: 8058938000
Location: 5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106
University of California-Santa Barbara Important Facts
Analysis of Key Metrics at UC Santa Barbara
The data from the University of California-Santa Barbara reveals several significant trends that merit discussion. Firstly, the tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have consistently increased over the years. For instance, in 2014, the in-state tuition was approximately $13,746, which rose to $14,965 by 2024, marking an increase of about 8.87%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition surged from $36,624 to $45,742, a staggering rise of around 24.9%. This upward trend in tuition costs reflects a broader national concern regarding the affordability of higher education, particularly in public universities.
Moreover, the student retention rate has shown a remarkable consistency, hovering around 91% to 93% over the past decade. Such high retention suggests that students are generally satisfied with their educational experience, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy academic environment. A stable retention rate can also indicate effective support systems in place for students, contributing to their academic success.
Additionally, the graduation rates appear to be on a positive trajectory. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates reached approximately 69.1% in 2023, compared to 64.1% in 2013. This increase highlights the university's commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time, which is essential for reducing overall educational costs and facilitating entry into the workforce.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has experienced fluctuations, with the most notable increase occurring in 2019, where it peaked at 22 students per faculty member. While this could indicate a growing student body, it raises concerns about whether faculty members can provide adequate attention and resources to each student. A high student-to-faculty ratio can impact the quality of education and individual student support, which is vital for academic success.
In conclusion, while UC Santa Barbara demonstrates positive trends in retention and graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and fluctuating student-to-faculty ratios warrant attention. Addressing these challenges will be essential for sustaining the university's reputation and ensuring that it remains accessible to a diverse student population.
University of California-Santa Barbara Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduation Data at UC Santa Barbara
The graduation data from UC Santa Barbara for 2023 reveals several notable trends across various fields of study. The most significant number of bachelor's degrees was awarded in Biology/Biological Sciences, with 382 graduates, indicating a strong interest and investment in the biological sciences, possibly reflecting the growing demand for professionals in healthcare and environmental fields. This trend aligns with the national emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and careers.
Another noteworthy observation is the number of international students graduating with bachelor's degrees. For instance, Environmental Studies had 11 international graduates, suggesting that the program appeals to a global audience, likely due to the increasing awareness of environmental issues worldwide. However, several fields, such as Applied Mathematics, General, and Psychology, reported zero graduates, which raises questions about the attractiveness or viability of these programs in the current academic landscape.
The absence of master's and doctoral graduates across most disciplines further emphasizes a potential gap in advanced study opportunities at UC Santa Barbara. The lack of advanced degrees might indicate a focus on undergraduate education or a need for the institution to enhance its graduate programs, particularly in popular fields like biology and environmental studies.
Overall, this data highlights the importance of biological sciences in shaping educational outcomes at UC Santa Barbara, while also pointing to potential areas for growth in graduate education. The trends observed could inform future institutional strategies aimed at attracting more students to underrepresented disciplines and enhancing international enrollment.
University of California-Santa Barbara Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Admission Trends at UC Santa Barbara
The admission trends at the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) reveal a dynamic landscape over the past few years. Notably, the university's ranking in 2025 stands at 39, reflecting a consistent effort to enhance its academic reputation and attract a diverse student body. This ranking is an improvement from previous years, indicating UCSB's ability to maintain its standing among top institutions despite an increasingly competitive environment. Examining the admission rates, it is evident that both male and female acceptance rates have significantly declined in recent years. For instance, the male acceptance rate dropped to approximately 23% in 2023, while the female rate was around 28%. Such low acceptance rates highlight the growing number of applicants, with total applications surging beyond 82,000 in 2023, which translates to a denial figure of over 82,000 students. This illustrates the intense competition that prospective students face when applying to UCSB. Moreover, the enrollment numbers have remained relatively stable, with approximately 4,967 students admitted in 2023. However, the increasing denial rates suggest that while the university seeks to maintain quality, it is also becoming more selective in its admissions process. Overall, as UCSB continues to rise in rankings and attract more applicants, the challenge remains to balance selectivity with inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a welcoming environment for a diverse range of students.
University of California-Santa Barbara Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Analysis of Admission Scores at the University of California-Santa Barbara
The admission data from the University of California-Santa Barbara over the years reveals significant trends in test score submissions and performance. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has seen a decline from 98% in 2007 to around 82% in recent years. This decline could reflect the growing trend among universities to adopt test-optional policies, which allow students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
Examining the SAT reading and math scores, the 25th percentile scores have generally remained stable, hovering between 520 and 620, while the 75th percentile scores have shown a gradual increase, reaching 710 by 2023. This indicates that while the minimum competitive scores have not fluctuated significantly, the upper range has been on the rise, suggesting that the institution is attracting higher-achieving students over the years.
The data also illustrates a consistent number of SAT submissions, with applicants ranging from around 3,500 to 4,500 each year. Interestingly, while the number of applicants has remained relatively stable, the increasing competitiveness indicated by the higher 75th percentile scores points to a rising academic profile among admitted students.
Moreover, this shift in admission dynamics raises questions about equity in access to higher education. With the reduction in the percentage of students submitting standardized tests, it may be crucial for the university to consider how these changes impact diverse applicants, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Overall, the trends at UCSB highlight the evolving landscape of college admissions and the importance of adapting to new standards and expectations in higher education.
University of California-Santa Barbara Students Diversity
Student Demographics at UC Santa Barbara in 2023
The demographic data from UC Santa Barbara for the year 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is approximately 4,966, with a gender ratio showing that 42.1% are male and 57.9% are female. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where 43.9% are male and 56.1% are female, indicating a slightly higher female representation across the undergraduate population.
The undergraduate transfer students show a more balanced gender distribution, with 51.4% male and 48.6% female. This shift suggests that transfer students may come from diverse backgrounds or institutions that have varying gender ratios. Meanwhile, the graduate student population consists of 2,961 individuals, with 52.2% male and 47.8% female, which again leans towards a male majority.
When examining the ethnic composition, while specific details on the ethnic breakdown for undergraduates and graduates are not fully available, the overall trend highlights a significant presence of white students. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, especially in the context of ongoing discussions in higher education about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The demographic trends at UC Santa Barbara mirror broader societal patterns, with increasing awareness and advocacy for underrepresented groups. This data invites further exploration into how such demographics influence campus culture, academic performance, and social dynamics at the university.
University of California-Santa Barbara Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Student Age Composition at UC Santa Barbara in 2023
The age composition of students at the University of California, Santa Barbara reveals several interesting trends. The majority of the student population falls within the traditional college age range of 18-24, with a significant number of undergraduates aged 18-19 and 20-21, making up approximately 58.6% of all students. This reflects the university's role as a typical four-year institution, attracting younger students who are transitioning from high school to higher education.
Interestingly, the number of graduate students appears lower compared to undergraduates, particularly in the under-18 and 30-34 age groups, where there are virtually no graduate students. This may indicate that most students are pursuing their undergraduate degrees before considering graduate studies, or that the university's graduate programs are attracting older students who have already gained some professional experience.
The data also highlights a gender disparity, particularly in the younger age categories. In the 18-19 age group, female undergraduates outnumber their male counterparts significantly, with approximately 59.6% being female. This trend continues into the 20-21 age range, suggesting a growing female presence in higher education, which aligns with national trends where women have been earning more college degrees than men in recent years.
As we examine the older age categories, the numbers drop dramatically, highlighting the challenges that non-traditional students may face in pursuing degrees. The presence of students aged 40 and above is minimal, indicating that the university may need to enhance support services for older learners returning to education. Overall, the data reflects the typical demographic profile of a modern university, while also revealing areas for potential growth and improvement in inclusivity for diverse age groups.
University of California-Santa Barbara International Students Trends
Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at UCSB
The data reveals a significant trend in international student enrollment at the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduate students has seen a remarkable increase, rising from 234 to 2,781, which indicates a growing appeal of UCSB among international students. Notably, the percentage of international undergraduates has risen dramatically from 1.31% to 11.85%. This trend reflects a broader national pattern where universities in the United States have become increasingly attractive to students worldwide, driven by the quality of education and research opportunities.
In the graduate student population, the percentage of international students has also shown a positive trend, climbing from 20.21% in 2004 to an impressive 33% in 2023. This increase is suggestive of a strong reputation for UCSB's graduate programs, particularly in areas like science and engineering, which are often sought after by international scholars.
These trends can also be linked to global events and policies affecting student mobility. The post-pandemic recovery has seen universities actively recruit international students to bolster enrollment and diversity, making programs more globally competitive. Given the ongoing discussions about immigration policies and their impact on international students, UCSB's continued growth in this area is noteworthy.
Overall, the data paints a picture of a vibrant and increasingly diverse academic community at UCSB, which not only enriches the university experience for all students but also enhances the institution's global standing.
University of California-Santa Barbara Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable schools surrounding the University of California-Santa Barbara:
Thomas Aquinas College: This liberal arts college is ranked 63rd by US News in 2025. It offers a unique approach to education, focusing on a classical curriculum and Socratic teaching methods.
Pepperdine University: Ranked 80th, this private university is located in Malibu, California. It is known for its beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
University of California-Los Angeles: UCLA is a prestigious public research university, ranked 15th in 2025. It is renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life.
University of Southern California: USC, ranked 27th, is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles, known for its strong programs in business, cinema, and the arts.
California Institute of Technology: Often referred to as Caltech, this highly regarded institution is ranked 6th. It is famous for its rigorous science and engineering programs.
Pomona College: This top-ranked liberal arts college (5th) is part of the Claremont Colleges and is known for its small class sizes and strong academic programs.
Claremont McKenna College: Ranked 8th, this liberal arts college specializes in economics, government, and public affairs, providing a strong foundation for leadership roles.
These institutions contribute to a rich educational landscape in the Santa Barbara area, each offering unique programs and experiences to students.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Rates at University of California-Santa Barbara
The data from the University of California-Santa Barbara reveals a significant decline in crime rates over the past decade. In 2013, the average number of incidents per 1,000 students was 16.71, which is a notable decrease to just 8.61 by 2023. This downward trend indicates an improvement in campus safety, with the lowest recorded crime rate occurring in 2022, where the average was only 5.45 per 1,000 students.
Among various categories, gun-related arrests have shown fluctuations, peaking in 2018 with 11 reported incidents. In contrast, instances of substance abuse arrests have also decreased, reflecting a potential shift in student behavior and campus culture. The decline in reported cases of domestic violence and stalking is particularly encouraging, suggesting that awareness and preventive measures may be having a positive impact.
The decrease in crime is consistent with broader national trends where many universities have been implementing stricter security measures and community outreach programs. However, attention must still be paid to ensuring the campus remains a safe environment, as crime rates can be influenced by numerous factors, including socioeconomic conditions and campus policies.
Overall, the data indicates a positive trajectory for campus safety at UCSB, but continuous efforts are necessary to maintain and further improve these figures. For more information on calculating crime rates, please visit the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Reference
- University of California-Santa Barbara Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
University of California-Santa Barbara Related News
Challenges and Opportunities in Election Systems: A Multidimensional Exploration
Published on: September 18, 2024 | Updated on: September 18, 2024
The Mathematics of Democracy: A New Era in Election Studies In an era where democracy is both celebrated and challenged, the intersection of mathematics and electoral processes has emerged as a critical area of study. The recent introduction of a graduate seminar at the University of California-Sant...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: democracy, Disability Inclusion, Election Systems, Gender Bias, Mathematics, social equity, technology, University of California-Santa BarbaraThe Importance and Challenges of Sexual Health Education in US Universities
Published on: September 18, 2024 | Updated on: September 18, 2024
Navigating Sexual Health Education in the Digital Age: Insights from U.S. Colleges In an era where digital content is omnipresent, the conversation surrounding sexual health education has become increasingly complex. A recent article from the University of Michigan highlights the importance of open ...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: digital age, Harvard University, media literacy, Sex Positivity, Sexual Health Education, University Education, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Santa BarbaraUCLA Study Reveals Differences in Fruit Fly Navigation Strategies
Published on: September 17, 2024 | Updated on: September 17, 2024
## Understanding Visual Navigation Strategies in Fruit Flies: Implications for Science and Technology Introduction Recent research from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) has unveiled fascinating insights into the visual navigation strategies of fruit flies, specifically how these strat...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Autonomous Driving, Computer Vision, environmental impact, Fruit Flies, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Santa Barbara, Visual NavigationThe Profound Impact of Pregnancy on Brain Changes and Mental Health
Published on: September 17, 2024 | Updated on: September 17, 2024
## Understanding the Impact of Pregnancy on Brain Structure and Function: Insights from Recent Research Introduction Recent studies have unveiled significant insights into the changes that occur in the human brain during pregnancy, highlighting the profound impact of this life-altering experience on...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Brain Changes, Maternal Health, mental health, neuroscience, pregnancy, University of California-Irvine, University of California-Santa Barbara, Vanderbilt UniversityUniversity of Maryland’s Research on Pollinator Habitat Management
Published on: September 16, 2024 | Updated on: September 16, 2024
## The Importance of Pollinators in U.S. Agriculture: A Call to Action In a recent development, researchers at the University of Maryland have secured a significant grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to explore land management s...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: climate change, Ecosystem Services, Food Security, Pollinators, Purdue University-Main Campus, sustainable agriculture, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of MaryUC Santa Barbara and SB City College Collaborate on Semiconductor Workforce Training
Published on: September 14, 2024 | Updated on: September 14, 2024
UC Santa Barbara Partners with Santa Barbara City College for Workforce Training On September 9, 2024, the University of California-Santa Barbara (2024 USNews Ranking: 35) (UCSB) announced a significant partnership with Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) aimed at expanding workforce training program...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: CHIPS Act, Cleanroom Training, High-Tech Education, Iowa State University, Micro-Nanotechnology, Santa Barbara City College, Semiconductor, UC Santa BarbaraUniversity of California-Santa Barbara Important Facts Trends
University of California-Santa Barbara degrees/majors
University of California-Santa Barbara major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropology, General. | $31,420 | |||
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | $66,334 | |||
Geography. | $37,398 | |||
Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | $37,398 | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | $39,404 | |||
Sociology, General. | $34,372 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $33,486 | |||
Biochemistry. | $49,100 | |||
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other. | $49,100 | |||
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other. | $38,333 | |||
Microbiology, General. | $42,634 | |||
Zoology/Animal Biology. | $37,633 | |||
Physiology, General. | - | |||
Pharmacology. | $39,421 | |||
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography. | $29,258 | |||
Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | $29,258 | |||
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology, Other. | $29,258 | |||
Neuroscience. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Experimental Psychology. | $34,431 | |||
Behavioral Neuroscience. | $34,431 | |||
Psychology, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | $46,447 | |||
Applied Mathematics, General. | $59,638 | |||
Applied Mathematics, Other. | $59,638 | |||
Statistics, General. | $55,110 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Communication, General. | $46,598 | |||
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | $47,197 | |||
Chemistry, Other. | $47,197 | |||
Geology/Earth Science, General. | $30,759 | |||
Hydrology and Water Resources Science. | $30,759 | |||
Physics, General. | $53,597 | |||
Materials Science. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Studies. | $33,759-$55,039 | |||
Environmental Science. | $33,759-$55,039 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dance, General. | - | |||
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $20,503 | |||
Film/Cinema/Media Studies. | $28,608 | |||
Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |||
Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | |||
Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | - | |||
Music, General. | - | |||
Music Theory and Composition. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chemical Engineering. | $79,737 | |||
Computer Engineering, General. | $91,387 | |||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - | |||
Mechanical Engineering. | $81,108 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Science. | $107,776 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | $24,099 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Medieval and Renaissance Studies. | - | |||
International/Globalization Studies. | $33,553 | |||
Data Science, General. | - | |||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | $29,749 | |||
History, Other. | $29,749 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy. | $25,303 | |||
Religion/Religious Studies. | $19,911 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Education, General. | $63,765-$65,475 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Management Science. | $66,099 | |||
Actuarial Science. | $66,099 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asian Studies/Civilization. | - | |||
Near and Middle Eastern Studies. | - | |||
Russian Studies. | - | |||
Italian Studies. | - | |||
Area Studies, Other. | - | |||
African-American/Black Studies. | $32,341 | |||
Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies. | $32,341 | |||
Asian-American Studies. | $32,341 | |||
Women's Studies. | $32,341 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
University of California-Santa Barbara Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
World University Ranking
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
University of California-Santa Barbara Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field (Outdoor) | 46 | 47 |
Soccer | 33 | 37 |
Water Polo | 36 | 22 |
Swimming | 29 | 28 |
Track and Field (Indoor) | - | 47 |
Baseball | 46 | - |
Volleyball | 23 | 20 |
Cross Country | 21 | 18 |
Basketball | 17 | 14 |
Softball | - | 21 |
Tennis | 11 | 7 |
Golf | 12 | - |
NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field (Outdoor) | 47 | 46 |
Soccer | 38 | 38 |
Water Polo | 40 | 26 |
Swimming | 35 | 21 |
Volleyball | 26 | 21 |
Track and Field (Indoor) | - | 46 |
Cross Country | 23 | 23 |
Baseball | 43 | - |
Basketball | 18 | 15 |
Softball | - | 24 |
Tennis | 10 | 8 |
Golf | 13 | - |
NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field, Outdoor | 50 | 56 |
Soccer | 33 | 37 |
Swimming | 31 | 25 |
Baseball | 47 | - |
Volleyball | 25 | 18 |
Basketball | 17 | 17 |
Water Polo | - | 30 |
Softball | - | 22 |
Tennis | 11 | 7 |
Golf | 14 | - |
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a prestigious public research university located on the stunning coast of Southern California. Known for its beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, UCSB offers a vibrant atmosphere that fosters both academic excellence and a strong sense of community. The university is a part of the University of California system and is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in the fields of environmental science, physics, and social sciences. With a diverse student body, UCSB promotes an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation among students from various backgrounds.
UCSB’s campus culture is rich with opportunities for student engagement and extracurricular activities. The university boasts a wide array of student organizations, clubs, and recreational facilities, ensuring that students can find their niche and participate in activities that interest them. The institution's commitment to sustainability is evident in its initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices and environmental awareness. Moreover, UCSB has a strong emphasis on research, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Its faculty includes numerous award-winning professors and researchers who are leaders in their fields, contributing to a dynamic learning environment. With its beautiful location, strong academic reputation, and vibrant campus life, UCSB continues to be an attractive choice for students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.