Public

Large

Big West Conference

University of California, Santa Barbara SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA4.30

Acceptance Rate33%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Undergrad Enrollment23,181

Freshman Retention93%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio17:1

Graduation Rate83%

Test PolicyTest-free

How does your GPA compare at UCSB?

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Key University of California, Santa Barbara application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

November 30

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

April 2

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$14,436

Out-of-State Tuition$48,636

Room and Board$19,623

Average Merit Award$12,372

Application Fee$80

Students on Aid46%

Average Aid Package$32,746

Average Debt at Grad$17,286

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.