University of California, Santa Barbara: Admissions 2026, Scholarships, Fees 2026, Rankings & Programs

University of California, Santa Barbara: Admissions 2026, Scholarships, Fees 2026, Rankings & Programs

Santa Barbara, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1891established year
23983enrollment
ACS WASC
Public
Santa Barbaracampus
7.2/10
Study Abroad Team's profile photo

Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Aug 12, 2026

University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university on the Pacific coast of Goleta, California, established in 1891 and part of the University of California system since 1944. UCSB is ranked #72 globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, reflecting research strength in engineering, materials science, and interdisciplinary studies.

The university runs over 90 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate programs across engineering, science, economics, and management, all taught in English. Indian students concentrate in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, the one-year Master of Technology Management, and the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. Fall is the primary intake; graduate programs are administered by individual departments and undergraduate applications go through the shared UC Application.

  • Ranking: #72 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
  • Acceptance Rate: 38% overall for the Class of 2029
  • Intakes: Fall (primary); select graduate programs consider Winter
  • Nonresident PG Tuition: USD 44,000 to USD 48,000 per year (varies by program)
  • International Acceptance Rate: 21.4% for the Fall 2023 international cohort
  • Application Fee: USD 95 (UG) or USD 155 (PG international)

Also Check: MS Universities in USA

Nonresident supplemental tuition applies to every Indian applicant and is set annually by the UC Board of Regents. Undergraduate need-based aid is not available to international students, though select graduate programs offer teaching and research assistantships that offset tuition. Post-completion Optional Practical Training permits 12 months of US work, extended to 36 months for STEM degrees.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.42 as of August 2026

Admission Status: Application Opens 1 October 2026 (Fall 2027 intake). The UC Application filing period for Fall 2027 undergraduate entry opens 1 October 2026 and closes 30 November 2026 for all Indian applicants. Graduate applicants apply through individual departments, with Computer Science closing 15 December 2026, Electrical and Computer Engineering 16 December 2026, and remaining departments running through mid-January 2027 for Fall 2027 entry. Indian applicants should complete WES credential evaluation and English testing at least 6 weeks before their target deadline.


Popular Courses and Fees at University of California, Santa Barbara 2027

University of California, Santa Barbara sets a single nonresident undergraduate tuition and per-program graduate tuition across its five colleges. Undergraduate degrees run four years at a fixed annual cost; master’s programs vary between 12 and 24 months. Fees below reflect the 2026-27 published nonresident rate; the UC Board of Regents revises rates each academic year.

University of California, Santa Barbara PG Courses and Fees for Indian Students 2027

The ten most popular UCSB postgraduate programs among Indian students span engineering, science, and professional management. MTM finishes in 12 months; MS programs typically run 24 months. Per-program tuition varies; verify each department’s fee page before applying.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MS Computer Science90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
Master of Technology Management (MTM)69,529 (2024-25 total, international)66.35 lakhBachelor’s in engineering or science with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in engineering with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MS Mechanical Engineering90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in engineering with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MS Chemical Engineering90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in engineering or chemistry with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MESM Environmental Science and Management (Bren)90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MS Statistics and Applied Probability90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in statistics or maths with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MS Media Arts and Technology90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MS Marine Science90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in biology or marine science with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
MA Economics90,000 (estimated, 2-year)85.88 lakh (estimated)Bachelor’s in economics with GPA 3.0 or 55%+/CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5

University of California, Santa Barbara UG Courses and Fees for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate tuition and fees are uniform across UCSB colleges. Four-year totals below hold the 2026-27 nonresident rate constant across all four years.

ProgramTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BS Computer Science227,772 (4-year)217.32 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
BS Chemical Engineering227,772 (4-year)217.32 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
BS Mechanical Engineering227,772 (4-year)217.32 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
BA Economics227,772 (4-year)217.32 lakhClass 12 with 80% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5
BA Psychological and Brain Sciences227,772 (4-year)217.32 lakhClass 12 with 80% or above (recommended); TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5

[Source: UCSB Undergraduate Cost of Attendance 2026-27, UCSB TMP MTM Admissions]

Insider note: Indian applicants concentrate in MS Computer Science, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the one-year MTM. MTM is popular because it pairs an engineering or science bachelor’s with product-management coursework and finishes with a summer capstone.

Read More: University of California, Santa Barbara Fees and Programs Guide


University of California, Santa Barbara Admission 2027

Fall is the sole primary intake at UCSB for both undergraduate and graduate admissions. A limited number of graduate programs consider Winter and Spring quarters, but Indian applicants overwhelmingly target Fall entry.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
UC Application filing period (UG)1 October 2026 to 30 November 2026Submit within this window for Fall 2027 entry; no extensions granted
Graduate application (CS)15 December 2026Applied via UCSB Graduate Division
Graduate application (ECE)16 December 2026Applied via UCSB Graduate Division
Graduate application (other departments)Varies; most run to mid-January 2027Verify at UCSB Graduate Division; MTM runs its own timeline
WES credential evaluationStart 8 weeks before deadlineRequired for degrees awarded outside the US
Programme start (Fall quarter)Late September 2027International orientation held one week prior

[Source: UCSB Admissions, UCSB Graduate Division]

Planning note: UC does not run a common graduate deadline. Indian applicants targeting multiple UCSB departments should build a per-program checklist because deadlines, statement prompts, and supplemental material differ between engineering, science, and professional programs.

Read More: University of California, Santa Barbara Admissions Guide for Indian Students


University of California, Santa Barbara Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Indian applicants qualify for both undergraduate and graduate programs at UCSB when they meet the US-equivalent academic threshold and clear the English proficiency test.

University of California, Santa Barbara PG Requirements for Indian Applicants

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 55% / CGPA 5.5 out of 10 in Indian marking (recommended). PhD applicants typically show 3.5/4.0 or 65%+.
  • English test minimum: TOEFL iBT 80 (grad), IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo English Test 120. Test scores must be sent directly by the testing agency.
  • Credential verification: WES course-by-course evaluation of the bachelor’s transcript, submitted through WES to UCSB.
  • GRE: Not required by most departments including Computer Science and MTM; some physical-science and PhD programs still list it as optional.

University of California, Santa Barbara UG Requirements for Indian Applicants

  • Academic: Class 12 board mark sheet with 80% or above (recommended); UC reviews the transcript in context of the applicant’s board and does not publish a fixed cut-off.
  • English test minimum: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo English Test 115. Waivers are available through SAT/ACT English or AP English routes.
  • Standardised tests: SAT and ACT are test-optional for UG admission; Indian applicants may still submit if the score strengthens the file.

Note: Indian applicants can waive the UG English test in five officially listed ways: ACT English Language Arts 24+, SAT Writing and Language 31+ (paper), AP English 3-5, IB English Language A SL/HL 6-7, or Grade C or better in a UC-transferable college English composition course.


University of California, Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate 2027

University of California, Santa Barbara admitted 38% of applicants for its Class of 2029, with the international pool historically much more competitive than the overall rate. UCSB publishes official admit rates by residency status through the UC Office of the President.

CohortAcceptance RateTrend
Class of 2029 overall38%Headline UG rate
Class of 2029 in-state (California)32%Most competitive residency band
Class of 2029 out-of-state and international51.5%Includes Indian applicants; still filtered by pool competitiveness
Fall 2023 international-only21.4%Effective rate Indian applicants face

The 21.4% international rate captures the pool Indian applicants sit in. Strong Class 12 scores, test-optional consideration, and evidence of research or leadership all matter more heavily in this filtered cohort.

Reality check: Indian applicants compete against the 21.4% international admit rate, not the 38% headline figure. Applicants with 90%+ Class 12 boards, an SAT above 1450, and one substantive research or extracurricular anchor perform strongest in this segment.

Read More: University of California, Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate


University of California, Santa Barbara Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

University of California, Santa Barbara’s official 2026-27 total cost of attendance for a nonresident undergraduate is USD 90,216 (INR 86.08 lakh), of which USD 33,273 (INR 31.76 lakh) covers living, books, personal expenses, and health insurance. Graduate cost of attendance sits in a similar band and varies by department.

University of California, Santa Barbara Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Nonresident tuition combines base tuition, the nonresident supplemental tuition, and campus-based fees. The Board of Regents revises rates each July.

ComponentCost (USD)Cost (INR lakh)
UG tuition and student services fee15,588 per year14.87 lakh
UG nonresident supplemental tuition39,270 per year37.47 lakh
UG campus-based fees2,085 per year1.99 lakh
UG total tuition and fees (2026-27)56,943 per year54.34 lakh
UG total cost of attendance (with living)90,216 per year86.08 lakh
MTM total (2024-25 international)69,52966.35 lakh

[Source: UCSB Financial Aid Office Cost of Attendance, UCSB TMP MTM Admissions]

University of California, Santa Barbara Monthly Cost of Living for Indian Students

Santa Barbara sits among the more expensive US college towns because coastal housing supply is limited. The breakdown below matches UCSB Financial Aid Office assumptions divided into monthly categories.

CategoryMonthly (USD)Annual (USD)Annual (INR lakh)
Accommodation (on-campus or shared apartment)1,400 to 1,800 (estimated)16,800 to 21,60016.03 to 20.61 lakh
Food and groceries500 to 700 (estimated)6,000 to 8,4005.73 to 8.02 lakh
Transportation100 to 150 (estimated)1,200 to 1,8001.15 to 1.72 lakh
Books and supplies125 (estimated)1,5001.43 lakh
Personal, health insurance500 to 600 (estimated)6,000 to 7,2005.73 to 6.87 lakh
Total2,625 to 3,37531,500 to 40,50030.06 to 38.65 lakh

[Source: UCSB Financial Aid Office cost estimate; Santa Barbara market range]

Insider note: Isla Vista, the student neighbourhood adjacent to campus, sees shared-apartment rents of USD 900 to USD 1,300 per person per month; on-campus housing is guaranteed for the first year of undergraduate study only.

Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students


University of California, Santa Barbara Campus, Facilities and Student Life

University of California, Santa Barbara sits on a 1,000-acre coastal campus in Goleta, ten miles from Santa Barbara city centre. Los Angeles is 90 minutes by car and San Francisco is 5 hours by road.

  • Location and transit: Coastal campus at Goleta, ten miles from downtown Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara Airport is 15 minutes by shuttle.
  • Housing: On-campus housing guaranteed for the first year of undergraduate study, roughly 40% of undergraduates housed on campus; graduate housing runs a 6 to 12 month waitlist for Isla Vista and Santa Ynez apartments.
  • Notable facility: Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the California NanoSystems Institute anchor UCSB’s research profile.
  • Indian community: Active Sangam Indian Students Association chapter, Diwali and Holi celebrations, and grocery access through Santa Barbara’s Indian stores.

What Indian students say: Indian students report Santa Barbara’s coastal setting suits research-heavy study and lab work, but off-campus rent is the biggest single expense to plan for. Many recommend arriving 4 weeks before the quarter starts to lock in housing and register for classes.


University of California, Santa Barbara Scholarships 2027

University of California, Santa Barbara does not offer need-based aid to undergraduate international students. Graduate applicants access funding primarily through department teaching and research assistantships, with a smaller pool of merit fellowships routed through the Graduate Division.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Graduate Teaching Assistantship (TA)Departmental appointmentTuition remission plus monthly stipend; verify at UCSB Graduate DivisionPhD and select MS students in each departmentAssigned per quarter by department
Graduate Research Assistantship (RA)Faculty-funded appointmentTuition remission plus monthly stipend; verify at UCSB Graduate DivisionGrad students matched to a funded research projectRolling; secured through faculty
Central Graduate Division FellowshipMerit fellowshipVerify at UCSB Graduate DivisionIncoming PhD applicants nominated by departmentSame as departmental application deadline
Regents Special FellowshipUC system merit fellowshipVerify at UCSB Graduate DivisionTop-rated incoming graduate studentsSame as departmental application deadline

[Source: UCSB Graduate Division; verify current amounts on the UCSB Financial Aid Office site]

Insider note: MS applicants should approach faculty directly for RA funding before submitting the application. Nearly all funded MS support originates from a research group with a live grant; the Graduate Division rarely funds terminal master’s students.

Read More: University of California, Santa Barbara Scholarships Guide


University of California, Santa Barbara Rankings 2027

University of California, Santa Barbara’s strongest global position is #70 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025, with the Times Higher Education 2026 edition placing UCSB #72 worldwide. QS lifted UCSB nine places between the 2026 and 2027 editions.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World2027: #1732026: #1792025: #178
THE World2026: #722025: #672024: verify at THE
US News Best Global2026-2027: #1002025-2026: verify at US News2024-2025: verify at US News
ARWU (Shanghai)2025: #702024: verify at ShanghaiRanking2023: verify at ShanghaiRanking
Collegedunia Study Abroad#76 (of 824 global)NANA

[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]

UCSB ranks #14 among US public national universities and #41 overall in the US News Best Colleges 2026 domestic list. UCSB Materials is ranked #1 among US public universities in the US News 2025 graduate rankings, cementing its subject-level standing.

Key insight: Indian recruiters and US employers recognise both the THE World and US News Best Global positions. UCSB’s #14 US public ranking in the 2026 Best Colleges edition adds domestic recognition for hiring managers who do not track global lists.

Read More: University of California, Santa Barbara Rankings Analysis


University of California, Santa Barbara Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

University of California, Santa Barbara does not publish a central placement report equivalent to Indian campus statistics. Career outcomes vary by college and graduate program, with Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and MTM cohorts feeding Bay Area technology roles most heavily.

  • Placement rate: Not centrally disclosed; individual programs report separately through UCSB Career Services.
  • Median starting salary (STEM UG): USD 70,000 to USD 95,000 (market median; verify at UCSB Career Services)
  • Top recruiters: Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, and Nvidia recruit heavily from CS and ECE; Northrop Grumman and Raytheon recruit engineering cohorts (representative employers from public UCSB Career Services listings)
  • Notable alumni: UCSB counts six Nobel laureates on faculty; alumni include Nvidia CFO Colette Kress.
  • Careers support: UCSB Career Services runs a fall recruiting cycle, on-campus interviews, and a dedicated STEM career pathway.
  • STEM OPT: Indian graduates in eligible STEM programs qualify for 36 months of Optional Practical Training after program completion.

Insider note: UCSB Computer Science and Electrical Engineering graduates land Bay Area tech roles at competitive rates, but the pipeline runs through student-led recruitment at the annual career fair rather than a centralised placement cell.

University of California, Santa Barbara vs Peer Universities

UCSB competes with other University of California campuses and select US research universities that admit strong international cohorts. The comparison below groups four UC campuses and one private California peer.

UniversityQS Rank 2027Collegedunia Study AbroadAvg Annual PG Tuition (USD)Differentiator
University of California, Santa Barbara#173#7644,000 to 48,000 (estimated)UC-system research campus with materials science and interdisciplinary strength
UC BerkeleyTop 15Verify at Collegedunia45,000 to 50,000 (estimated)UC flagship; extremely selective CS and engineering
UCLATop 45Verify at Collegedunia45,000 to 50,000 (estimated)Largest UC campus; broad subject portfolio
UC San DiegoTop 65Verify at Collegedunia45,000 to 50,000 (estimated)Engineering, oceanography, cognitive science
University of Southern CaliforniaTop 130Verify at Collegedunia55,000+ (estimated)Private LA neighbour; larger international MS cohorts

UCSB stands out among UC campuses for smaller graduate cohorts, tight faculty-student ratios in the Kavli and California NanoSystems institutes, and a consistently top-10 US public ranking in materials science.

University of California, Santa Barbara fits Indian applicants with a strong STEM record who want a research-first, mid-sized US public university where materials science, physics, and engineering carry global weight. A four-year undergraduate degree runs USD 227,772 (INR 217.32 lakh) and an MS or MTM around USD 90,000 total, against a US median STEM starting salary well above USD 70,000, supported by 36-month STEM OPT for eligible degrees.

UCSB is not the right choice for applicants who need a large-city location, a lower total cost, or a heavily industry-oriented MBA. Purdue University fits that alternative brief with lower nonresident tuition and larger recruiting volumes for Fall 2027.


University of California, Santa Barbara FAQs

Ques. What are the popular online programs at UCSB for Indian students?

Ans. UCSB does not offer full online graduate degrees for international applicants. UCSB Professional and Continuing Education runs online certificates and Coursera hosts UCSB-authored courses for individual study, but a formal degree at UCSB requires on-campus enrolment and an F-1 visa. Indian applicants seeking online US master’s degrees should evaluate Arizona State, Georgia Tech, or UMass Amherst instead.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at UCSB?

Ans. Yes. Indian students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic quarters and up to 40 hours per week during official breaks. Common on-campus jobs include library assistants, research aides, and dining services. Off-campus employment requires either Curricular Practical Training tied to a course or Optional Practical Training after one year of full-time study.

Ques. Is the GRE required for University of California, Santa Barbara graduate applications?

Ans. The GRE is not required by most UCSB graduate programs, including Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the Master of Technology Management. Some physical-science and PhD engineering programs still list it as optional and recommend a strong quantitative score. Check the specific department page before writing the exam, since UCSB does not run an MBA or JD program.

Ques. What is the application fee at University of California, Santa Barbara?

Ans. The UC Application undergraduate fee is USD 95 (INR 9,065) per campus for international applicants, non-refundable. Graduate applications carry a separate USD 155 (INR 14,790) fee for international candidates and USD 135 for domestic candidates, paid to the UCSB Graduate Division. Fee waivers are rarely extended to Indian applicants. Payment is by international credit card during application submission.

Ques. How does UCSB verify Indian bachelor’s degree transcripts?

Ans. UCSB accepts a course-by-course World Education Services evaluation submitted directly to the admissions office. Indian applicants request WES with attested mark sheets and provisional or degree certificates from the awarding university. Turnaround is 4 to 7 business days once WES receives complete documents. Some UCSB programs also request original transcripts at the point of enrolment for degree verification.

Ques. Are conditional offers available at UCSB for Indian applicants?

Ans. UCSB does not routinely issue conditional offers the way UK universities do. All Indian applicants must present final academic and English test results before receiving a formal admit. In rare cases, graduate offers are contingent on final bachelor’s mark sheets, but the standard workflow is a complete file at the point of application. Pre-enrolment is not permitted for incoming students.

Ques. Which Indian banks provide education loans for UCSB study?

Ans. Major Indian public and private banks lend for UCSB study, including State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bank of Baroda. Non-banking financial companies such as Auxilo, Avanse, and InCred also fund UCSB admits. Undergraduate loans typically require collateral for the full four-year cost; graduate MS loans are commonly capped at USD 100,000 (INR 95.42 lakh) unsecured for high-ranked programs.

Ques. What dependent visa options exist for UCSB Indian students?

Ans. Indian students on an F-1 visa at UCSB can bring a spouse and children under 21 on an F-2 dependent visa. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but can enrol in part-time study or full-time vocational programs. F-2 children can attend K-12 public school in California. Financial proof of USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 additional per dependent per year is required.

UC-Santa Barbara Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesApplication FeesEligibility
Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Dec 2026)
USD 14,430 /Yr15570-75%, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 4.0, Duolingo 120
Final Fellowship Consideration Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Feb 2026)
Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2026)
USD 69,529 /Yr155GPA 3.0, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100, Duolingo 130
Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (15th Dec 2026)
USD 14,430 /Yr15570-75%, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 4.0, Duolingo 120

Do you think the Dates are wrong ?  Report Here

Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [M.Sc] Computer Science

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Ranked #201 out of 722 by QS Global Ranking 2024
Exam Scores: TOEFL4.0|IELTS7|Duolingo120
Important Date: 15 Dec, 2026
Entry Requirement: 70-75%, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 4.0, Duolingo 120
USD 14,430 /Yr
20 Students Applied

Master of Science [M.Sc] Electrical and computer engineering

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL4.0|IELTS7|Duolingo120
Important Date: 15 Dec, 2026
Entry Requirement: 70-75%, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 4.0, Duolingo 120
USD 14,430 /Yr
158 Students Applied
51 Students Admitted

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

Master of Science [M.S] Environmental Science and Management

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS7|Duolingo120
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-120
USD 12,264 /Yr
5 Students Applied
3 Students Admitted

Master of Arts [M.A] Statistics and Applied Probability

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS7|Duolingo120
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-120
USD 12,264 /Yr

Master of Science [M.S] Mechanical Engineering

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Ranked #68 out of 1200 by THE Global Ranking 2022
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS7|Duolingo120
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-120
USD 12,264 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

UC-Santa Barbara Ranking

20272026202520242023202220212020201920182017

QS World University logo

Overall 173 out of 1504 in Global Ranking

#33 out of 89 in USA 2027

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

UC-Santa Barbara Ratings

Based on 6 Students Rating

7.2 out of 10
8.3/10Academic
6.3/10Accommodation
8.0/10Faculty
6.3/10Infrastructure
5.8/10Placement
8.3/10Social Life

UC-Santa Barbara Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Arts (2)
Humanities (1)
Communication Studies (1)
Media Studies (1)
Campus (4)
Choice (4)
Internship (4)
Quarter (4)
Scholarship (4)
Structure (4)
Tuition (4)
Barbara (3)
Course (3)
Program (3)
School (3)
Career (2)
Experience (2)
Knowledge (2)
California (1)

6 Reviews Found

H
8.2 /10

Overview

I originally applied to UCSB because I wanted to attend UC Berkeley. When I realized the applications were the same, I decided to apply to both! The fees are normally $80 I think but I was in the free/ reduced lunch program at school so I had a few waivers for applications. I applied to eight schools all on the west coast, including UCSB, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, SDSU, Cal Poly SLO, University of Washington, and University of Oregon. I was accepted to all except UCLA. When it came down to choosing a college, UCSB was the clear choice. They offered me significant financial aid, it's located on a beach, only a train ride away from home, and academically prestigious! We were ranked the 5th best public school in the nation and the happiest college students in California by Princeton Review! While cost is very important, I needed to choose somewhere I felt like I could be happy. The social, athletic, and academic aspects of the school were very appealing to my extroverted side. I had a 4.2 GPA overall in high school, played varsity women's lacrosse, and competed in the academic league. While I did take several AP classes, I would consider myself a medium, to the above-average student in high school. I got a 1420 on my SAT and a 30 on my ACT. The university seems to prioritize outside commitments and personal statements much higher than test scores through the admissions process in my opinion

Fees

I pay on BARC about two weeks before the start of every quarter. The only loans I have used were given by the university and accessed on FinAid.ucsb.com. I have received the cal grant A award for 12,600 dollars, the federal Pell grant award for 3,000, and a UCSB scholarship for 4,000. All of which were given due to my family's financial need and military status.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 10/10

JL
8.8 /10

Overview

One of the reasons I chose UC Santa Barbara as a college to go to is because of its close proximity to the ocean and because I wanted to experience the social life on campus which I heard was pretty good at UC Santa Barbara. My experience was amazing because there were tons of things to do like go out for dinner, party on the weekend or going to town for great food. Also, I chose UCSB as my college because before I came here I visited the campus just once and fell in love with the scenery.

Fees

Coming to UCSB was pretty expensive but you have financial aid and many come here with scholarships which lower cost down. Also, dorm rooms keep going up that is why it's better to live outside of campus.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 7/10
extracurricular: 10/10

JH
6.8 /10

Overview

UCSB has a great reputation and a diverse student body. Its campus is located right on the beach and students are friendly and fun. There is a good party scene as well as great academics and there is always something to do around campus.

Fees

Tuition, room, and board, textbook fees, lab fees. Student fees that go towards bus pass, Rec center memberships, and funding the school newspaper.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 6/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 2/10
extracurricular: 10/10

K
7.2 /10

Overview

The financial aid, the location, and the reputation of the school. I didn't expect to be admitted into UCSB but after I did, I jumped at the chance to attend because they also gave me pretty decent financial aid. I also liked the college and the fact that it had the majors I wanted to study (English and Chicano Studies).

Fees

The fees for this include housing, meal plan, books and tuition, and even parking if you are bringing a car. It's somewhat costly living in SB.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 5/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 10/10

JA
6.3 /10

Overview

It was a good fit considering my major, career path, and overall personality. The economics program is one of the best out of the UCs, plus it was the best Econ program I got into. Since I want to work on Wall Street, I thought networking at UC was a vital part of my education. My personality is not only academic but outgoing so when I visited and saw that the atmosphere fit my personality perfectly, I knew it was going to be a good fit.

Fees

The fees are pretty straight forward including tuition, room and board, CA resident fee and other university ones.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 5/10
accomodation: 4/10
placement: 7/10
extracurricular: 7/10

MW
5.8 /10

Overview

They offered the best financial aid package. Also, the beachside location of Isla Vista, the college town adjacent to the school, was very appealing. Academics were also important when choosing school.

Fees

Different quarters have different expenses. I don't know what the fee structure means in the question, but if you're interested in the tuition and the like, you can check out UCSB?s page and there's all the info there an estimated cost of attendance.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 4/10
accomodation: 3/10
placement: 7/10
extracurricular: 3/10

UC-Santa Barbara Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Jagdish Bhagwati FellowshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Comindware ScholarshipScholarship per student$4,000Level Of StudyApprenticeshipTypeMerit-Based
Forktip Women’s- Innovation ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
FINCAD Women in Finance ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

FAQs


Ques. Is it worth doing a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

● Top Answer By Anna McGrath on 13 Apr 23

Ans. If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is an excellent choice to consider. Here are some reasons why: Strong Research Culture : UCSB has a well-established materials engineering program with world-renowned faculty members who are leaders in the field. The program focuses on cutting-edge research in materials science and engineering and offers a wide range of research opportunities for students. State-of-the-Art Facilities : UCSB boasts state-of-the-art facilities and research centers, including the Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), which provides students with access to advanced characterization and fabrication facilities. These facilities are crucial for materials research, and students can expect to gain valuable hands-on experience working with these tools. Collaborative Environment : The materials engineering program at UCSB fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, which allows students to work with researchers across different departments and fields. This approach encourages students to develop a broad perspective on materials engineering and helps them to tackle complex problems that require a multidisciplinary approach. Career Prospects : A Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from UCSB can open up a range of career opportunities in academia, industry, and government research. Graduates from UCSB's materials engineering program have gone on to work for leading companies in the materials industry, as well as academic institutions and research labs. Lab Environment : When choosing a graduate school, the lab environment is a critical factor to consider. UCSB offers a diverse range of research labs, and you should carefully consider the lab environment and the research projects being undertaken by potential advisors. Advisor : The faculty advisor plays a crucial role in a graduate student's success. It is important to choose an advisor whose research interests align with your own, and who can provide you with the support and guidance needed to succeed in your research. Competitive Environment : It is worth noting that graduate school can be competitive, and UCSB is no exception. However, this is often a reflection of the high standards and expectations set by top universities. It is also worth noting that lab culture can vary depending on the advisor and the lab itself. Visit the School and Lab : To get a better sense of the environment and culture at UCSB, it is highly recommended that you visit the school and lab you are considering joining. This will allow you to meet with faculty and students, tour the facilities, and get a feel for the overall vibe of the program. UCSB's materials engineering program offers a strong research culture, state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative environment, and excellent career prospects. When considering UCSB for graduate school, it is essential to carefully consider the lab environment, and faculty advisor, and visit the school and lab to get a better sense of the overall culture.Read more

0
0
2 Answer
●●●

Ques. With a GRE score of 306, can I get admission to the University of California at Santa Barbara for an MS in CS?

● Top Answer By Sunita Garg on 16 Apr 22

Ans. For Fall 2022 applicants, the UCSB Computer Science department eliminated the GRE requirement. Here is the basic admission requirement for 2022. GPA in undergraduate  At least 3.0  TOEFL 600 - Paper-based test  100 - Internet-based  IELTS  7.0  Good undergraduate performance, references, and recommendation letters with a solid personal statement will help with your candidature. If you have pursued research at a well-known university during your undergraduate, mention that in your application. Read more

0
0
2 Answer
●●●

Ques. How good is the University of California, Santa Barbara's Computer Science department for undergraduates?

● Top Answer By Eugene Cooper on 16 Apr 22

Ans. UCSB has a decent Computer Science department. The department is smaller compared to the other UCs. Students get equal attention from faculties. Overall, UCSB campus is friendlier, you can adjust easily to the environment. US News ranking ranked the CS department of UCSB 28th in the country.  The curriculum is a combination of basic programming, surveys of numerical methods, programming languages and compilers, automata theory, algorithm and data structures, etc. UCSB CS faculties are accomplished researchers and teach well.  As per Payscale, CS graduates from UCSB earn around $76k - $137k.  Being a small department, it isn’t good in all domains of CS. For instance, there aren’t any faculty members at UCSB who are pursuing research in hardcore Machine Learning. So, if you are interested in a particular area of CS, take it into consideration while choosing the institute. Read more

0
0
2 Answer
●●●

Ques. How are the job opportunities in California for students with MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of California- Santa Barbara?

● Top Answer By Anna McGrath on 14 Apr 22

Ans. Job opportunities for MS Electrical Engineering graduates from the University of California Santa Barbara are pretty good. This branch has a better placement record than other branches of the institute. Majority of students get placements in the storage industry.   Goleta has a decent technology industry. There are many reputed corporate horses like AppFolio, Toyon Research, Control Point, etc. Read more

0
0
2 Answer
●●●

UC-Santa Barbara Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

UC-Santa Barbara Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-6.5--
Undergraduate
SAT12951190140075
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing640600680-
Mathematics655590720-
ACT31283359
Check Detailed Score
English302634-
Mathematics292632-

Attendance Cost

$23,013

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$23,013 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$20,779 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,143 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$15,169 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$5,348 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$11,825 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$5,706 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$11,765 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$12,450 / Year

UC-Santa Barbara Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program wise accreditation
Psychology Programs
American Psychological Association
Programs
National Association of Schools of Dance

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
145461151730292045

Comments


Found 1 Comment

Z
zainab junaid
Jul 1, 2024 08:42
I'm currently in 12th grade, i would like to pursue MD (MBBS) from States. Unfortunately,i don't have any idea where to begin with. Kindly assist me with this ????
K
Karan Gupta
Jul 3, 2024 14:42

You can book an appointment with our counselor on our website for guidance in the admission process.


- No More Comments -
Videos

interested in this College ?

Get free counselling