University of California, Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, California 93106

University Type

Public

California,

United States

Year Established:

1891

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a public land-grant research university in Santa Barbara-Isla Vista, California. It is part of the University of California system. Tracing its roots back to 1891 as an independent teachers' college, UCSB joined the University of California system in 1944, and is the third-oldest undergraduate campus in the system, after UC Berkeley and UCLA.

UC Santa Barbara is organized into three undergraduate colleges (College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies) and two graduate schools (Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and Bren School of Environmental Science & Management), offering more than 200 degrees and programs. The university has 10 national research centers, including the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Center for Control, Dynamical-Systems and Computation. According to the National Science Foundation, UC Santa Barbara spent $235 million on research and development in the fiscal year 2018, ranking it 100th in the nation. UCSB was the No. 3 host on the ARPAnet and was elected to the Association of American Universities in 1995.

Read more

Rankings

#178

QS

#39

USNews

University of California, Santa Barbara Program Rankings

  • Biopsychology (UG) - Rank #37 (US News)

  • Chemical Engineering (UG) - Rank #37 (US News)

  • Computer Science (UG) - Rank #37 (US News)

  • Psychological & Brain Sciences (UG) - Rank #37 (US News)

  • Economics (UG) - Rank #41 (US News)

  • Computer Science (Masters) - Rank #82 (US News)

Read more

University of California, Santa Barbara Highlights

Reframing the Humanities as Useful — Alan Liu, University of California, Santa Barbara

Community College vs University | Brett Cooper

University of California Overview

Walking tour of the University of California-San Diego in La Jolla California

FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a range of popular graduate programs including Environmental Science and Management, Psychology, and Computer Science. Other sought-after areas include Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Economics, each known for their rigorous coursework and extensive research opportunities facilitated by expert faculty.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at University of California, Santa Barbara?

For the academic year, the average tuition for international graduate students at UCSB is approximately $31,000. Living expenses including housing, food, and other costs are estimated at about $19,000. The total estimated cost of $50,000 converts to approximately ₹41,00,000 INR (conversion rate as of 2023).

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at University of California, Santa Barbara?

UCSB offers a variety of financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans. Students can apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for domestic students, or through specific scholarship applications for international students. The university’s financial aid website provides comprehensive details and deadlines for each available program.

What is the reputation and ranking of University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara consistently ranks highly across various programs. It is renowned for its research in the sciences and humanities, with the Physics and Materials Science programs often ranked in the top 10 nationally. The College of Engineering is also highly regarded, frequently appearing in the top 20 of U.S. engineering schools.

What is the campus culture like at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The campus culture at UCSB is vibrant and diverse, with numerous cultural fests such as Extravaganza, a large annual music festival, and the Multicultural Center’s events. UCSB hosts over 400 student clubs and organizations ranging from academic societies to recreational sports, providing students ample opportunities to engage, explore, and expand their horizons.

What are the housing options at University of California, Santa Barbara?

UCSB offers a variety of housing options including residence halls and university apartments. Popular off-campus housing options are available in neighborhoods such as Isla Vista, which is adjacent to campus and known for its student-friendly environment. Goleta and Santa Barbara also offer numerous rental opportunities that cater to student budgets and lifestyles.

Read more

Similar Universities

Unsure Which Course to Choose?

Make confident choices with insights from our expert advisors!

University of California, Santa Barbara Fun Facts

  • Coastal Campus Charm

    UC Santa Barbara boasts one of the few university campuses in the U.S. directly adjacent to the coast, offering students beach access just steps from class.

  • Nobel Laureate Hub

    The university is known for its impressive array of faculty and alumni who have won Nobel Prizes, particularly in Physics and Economics, fostering a rich academic environment.

  • Gauchos Pride

    UCSB's sports teams are known as the Gauchos, and the men's soccer team won the NCAA Division I Championship in 2006, bringing immense pride and celebration to the campus.

  • Extravaganza Festival

    Each spring, UCSB hosts "Extravaganza," a free music festival exclusively for its students. This event has featured famous artists and bands, making it a highlight of the year.