University of California, Santa Barbara SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
UCSB is test-free, so a higher SAT or ACT score will not boost your admission odds here. With a 4.30 average entering GPA and a 33% acceptance rate, your target is a transcript with standout rigor and grades, plus essays and activities that make your interests specific.
⬡ LangSmith1a52cad9-51e8-4a00-9782-a8b35376bae7Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of California, Santa Barbara facts and stats
University of California, Santa Barbara enrolls about 23,181 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. UCSB has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 83% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. UCSB is test-free for admissions.
⬡ LangSmithafd86450-7992-4428-89f5-f5b2c13440ddSanta Barbara, CA
How does your GPA compare at UCSB?
Key University of California, Santa Barbara application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
UCSB is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used in admissions and are not needed for the November 30 application deadline. Any retakes or superscoring strategy only matters for other test-using colleges on your list.
⬡ LangSmith206d476f-6798-4680-a102-4b870f753aa1Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of California, Santa Barbara?
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What you'll actually pay
UCSB’s in-state tuition is $14,436, while out-of-state tuition is $48,636. About 46% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $12,372, creating a scholarship opportunity for nonresidents. Submit the FAFSA by the April 2 priority deadline.
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For out-of-state students, UCSB tuition is $48,636, while in-state tuition is $14,436; room and board adds $19,623. About 46% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $32,746. Merit aid averages $12,372, and the Kevin Laverty Award for Excellence in Comparative Politics lists a 3.00+ GPA threshold for a $2,300 award. Graduates leave with average debt of $17,286.
⬡ LangSmith142bba49-8ca9-4226-b3b5-f362d5b3e131Student life at University of California, Santa Barbara
38% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CAAcceptance rate: 28.8%
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CAAcceptance rate: 26.8%
University of California, Davis
Davis, CAAcceptance rate: 41.8%
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CAAcceptance rate: 76.8%
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