Santa Barbara, California, United States
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The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a public research university located in Santa Barbara, California. Established in 1891, UCSB has a sprawling campus that covers 1,055 acres. The university is home to over 26,000 students and a highly qualified faculty, including six Nobel Prize winners. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, UCSB is ranked #163, and it is recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States by Forbes Magazine. UCSB offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 200 different majors and degrees, including more than 90 undergraduate programs and 50 graduate programs. Some of the most popular fields of study include social sciences, biological sciences, engineering, and visual arts. The university is known for its commitment to sustainability, ranking #10 on Princeton Review's 2022 Top 50 Green Schools list. The acceptance rate for UCSB is around 26%, making it a competitive choice for international students. The application period for UCSB typically runs from November 1 to November 30 for the upcoming academic year. However, the university operates on a rolling admissions basis, allowing international students to apply at any time throughout the year. Prospective students should check specific deadlines for their desired programs, as these can vary. The application fees range from USD 140 to 155, depending on the course. UCSB provides various support services to help students succeed. The career services team is dedicated to enhancing students' employability and connecting them with job opportunities. Additionally, the UCSB Library holds three million volumes and offers a comfortable study space. With a vibrant campus life and numerous extracurricular activities, students can enjoy a well-rounded experience during their time at UCSB.
Here are some key facts about UCSB that you might find interesting:
| Particulars | Validation |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 1891 |
| GyanDhan Ranking | #29 |
| Location | Santa Barbara, California, USA |
| Alumni Statistics | 230,000+ |
| Top 3 Majors | Social Sciences | Mathematics | Psychology |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 27% - 33% |
| Public or Private | Public University |
| Total Programs | 200+ |
| Total College or Schools | 5 |
| Student-to-Faculty-Ratio | 18:1 |
| Annual Tuition Cost | UG - INR 39.62 L – 41.79 L | PG - INR 22.99 L – 47.41 L |
UC Santa Barbara is known for providing excellent academic programs for international students. The University of California, Santa Barbara offers over 200 majors, degrees, and credentials, including more than 90 undergraduate majors and over 50 graduate programs. Some of the most popular courses at UC Santa Barbara include: Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, Communication, Journalism, Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Foreign Languages & Literature.
The top programs at UCSB, as ranked by GyanDhan Rankings, are listed below:
| Top Programs | GyanDhan Rankings |
|---|---|
| MS | #43 |
| Physics | #8 |
| Chemical Engineering | #9 |
| B.Tech/B.E. | #42 |
| Electrical Engineering | #28 |
| MFA | #26 |
| M.A. | #38 |
| Politics | #50 |
International students must verify the admission deadlines prior to submitting their application for courses at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The application deadlines for international students at UCSB are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Aug 1, 2025 |
The English language requirements for international students at UC Santa Barbara are as follows:
| Type of Tests | Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 115 or higher |
The University of California Santa Barbara is highly ranked by major global ranking organizations. It is one of the top public research universities in the United States. In terms of rankings, UC Santa Barbara is considered one of the best universities in the USA. According to GyanDhan Rankings, the University of California Santa Barbara is ranked #29. Another ranking source places UCSB at #39 in the Best Colleges in National Universities 2025 category. Additionally, UC Santa Barbara is ranked #178 in the World University Rankings 2025 by another publisher. Furthermore, UCSB is also ranked #67 in the World University Rankings 2025 by a well-known ranking organization. Also, UC Santa Barbara's programs have rankings listed by GyanDhan, which are shown below:
| Top Programs | GyanDhan Rankings |
|---|---|
| MS | #43 |
| Physics | #8 |
| Chemical Engineering | #9 |
| B.Tech/B.E. | #42 |
| Electrical Engineering | #28 |
| MFA | #26 |
| M.A. | #38 |
| Politics | #50 |
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | GyanDhan Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCSB | INR 22.99 L - 47.41 L | A+ | #39 US News, 2025 |
| University of California, Davis | INR 23.22 L - 56.08 L | A+ | #33 US News, 2025 |
| UCI | INR 22.48 L - 62.35 L | A | #33 US News, 2025 |
| UCSD | INR 23.22 L - 68.33 L | A+ | #29 US News, 2025 |
| UC Riverside | INR 23.7 L - 57.13 L | A | #76 US News, 2025 |
| Leipzig University | INR 0 - 8.25 L | B+ | #200 QS, 2025 |
UC Santa Barbara has a strong alumni network around the globe. The University of California, Santa Barbara has over 230,000 alumni working in various fields worldwide. The UCSB alumni network includes many well-known people, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators. Some famous alumni from UCSB are Edi Gathegi, Robby Krieger, Harris Faulkner, and Reza Aslan. Below are a few more notable alumni from UC Santa Barbara:
| Name of Personality | Profession | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Kirk Douglas | American Actor and Film Producer | |
| Gwyneth Paltrow | American Actress and Businesswoman | |
| Benjamin Bratt | American Actor | |
| Steve Aoki | American DJ and Music Producer | |
| Alison Eastwood | American Film Director and Actress | |
| Jack Hody Johnson | American Singer-Songwriter | |
| Aja Naomi King | American Actress | |
| Gerald William Trainor | American Actor and Musician | |
| Katy Tur | American Author and Broadcast Journalist | |
| Charissa Jean Thompson | American Television Host and Sportscaster |
| University City | Santa Barbara, California, USA |
|---|---|
| Size of city | Small |
| Population of City | 92,101 |
