University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California · Public
University of California-Santa Barbara admitted 38% of 110,187 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 85% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at University of California-Santa Barbara
Enter a score to see whether University of California-Santa Barbara is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (38%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
University of California-Santa Barbara doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
25,713 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 18,022 took it, and 9,603 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How University of California-Santa Barbara rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- GPA
- Essay
Important
- Course rigor
Considered
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Legacy
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 4.29 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $40,587 in-state and $71,364 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $15,283 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
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