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Colleges › California › University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as UCSB

University of California, Santa Barbara accepts 33% of applicants. It is a public university in Santa Barbara, California, with about 23,113 undergraduates. The sticker price is $38,964 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $16,807.

33%Acceptance rate
1260–1490Middle 50% SAT
27–35Middle 50% ACT
$16,807Average cost after aid / year
84%Graduation rate
$61,127Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for UCSB?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 36% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into University of California, Santa Barbara by GPA

University of California, Santa Barbara does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPACalifornia residentOut-of-state
3.02% Reach1% Reach
3.32% Reach1% Reach
3.55% Reach2% Reach
3.712% Reach4% Reach
3.926% Reach10% Reach
4.036% Target15% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at University of California, Santa Barbara

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $38,964 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$9,700$41,500
$50k – $100k$14,200$46,100
$100k – $150k$19,000$50,900
$150k – $250k$38,964$71,600
Over $250k$38,964$75,200

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

84%Finish their degree
93%Return for second year
$61,127Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about University of California, Santa Barbara

What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Santa Barbara?

University of California, Santa Barbara admits 33% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Santa Barbara?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 36% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of California, Santa Barbara?

University of California, Santa Barbara does not consider SAT or ACT scores.

How much does University of California, Santa Barbara cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $38,964 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $16,807 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $9,700 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at University of California, Santa Barbara?

84% of students finish their degree, and 93% return for a second year.

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