The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), established in 1909, is a leading public research university known for its stunning coastal location and strengths in the sciences and engineering. UCSB's five Nobel Prize-winning faculty reflect its research excellence in physics, chemistry, and materials science. The university's 1,000-acre campus on the Pacific Ocean features the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.
UCSB's undergraduate colleges provide intimate learning communities within a research university. The university's location inspires marine science research and offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. UCSB's NCAA Division I athletics and vibrant arts scene, including the Arts & Lectures series, create a dynamic campus life. Alumni include tech entrepreneurs, Oscar winners, and leaders in science who benefit from UCSB's blend of academic rigor and creative energy.
University of California-Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate
University of California-Santa Barbara is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of University of California-Santa Barbara is 27.78%. This means that only 28 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, UCSB considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of California-Santa Barbara Admission Requirements
UCSB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UCSB is 3.82. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.52 and 3.82, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
UCSB GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at UCSB utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.82, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.82 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.62 – 3.81 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.42 – 3.61 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UCSB, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of California-Santa Barbara Average SAT Score: 1345
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of California-Santa Barbara is 1345 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1345 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1375 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of California-Santa Barbara allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1305, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UCSB. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1345 | 1305 | 1375 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1305 then you are below most of the admitted students at UCSB and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1375 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) are good but the admission staff at UCSB tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
UCSB Profile
Name: University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from UCSB Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of California-Santa Barbara is USD: 36776. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of California-Santa Barbara is USD: 13825
How can I get a scholarship?
27.99% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 20.21 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UCSB and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of California-Santa Barbara, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UCSB as your choice in the form.
How much a UCSB Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 74915. An average UCSB graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Santa Barbara. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | University of Georgia, GA | 1301 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of California-Santa Barbara. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Santa Barbara. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Santa Barbara Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $74915 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $36776 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of California-Santa Barbara is 27.78 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.82. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.52, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.52, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.52 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.42 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of California-Santa Barbara if my GPA is below 3.42
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.82, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of California-Santa Barbara is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1345 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1305-1375
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of California-Santa Barbara.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.