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Founded in 1909, University of California-Santa Barbara. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 21,574 full time undergraduate students, and 2,772 full time graduate students.
The University of California-Santa Barbara Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 967 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-Santa Barbara include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Admissions at UCSB are considered More Selective, with ,179% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 6 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 98% were in the top quarter, and 96% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-Santa Barbara.
363 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
346 Students rated off-campus housing 3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
392 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.
405 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
403 Students rated class size 3.5 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
403 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
404 Students rated local services 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
404 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
129 Students rated University of California-Santa Barbara
As a person of color, it was hard to adjust, but anywhere it is hard to adjust. After finding my community, I felt very welcomed. Due to the pandemic, I found myself to be a very shy and non-talkative person, but once finding my group I have become myself again.
I love this environment. It has its ups and downs, but I really have made a home here. It’s easy to feel comfortable. The religious studies department is PHENOMENAL. I cannot say the same for the political science department as they are not nearly as warm and helpful, but regardless of the struggles this school is worth committing to.
UCSB is a great well rounded school. Students here are intellectually driven and worked hard to get accepted here. Faculty members genuinely want to help students and always provide us with extra resources or career advice to help point us in the right decision. People may think of the party scene when they first hear about UCSB, but that image of us is overrated and rowdy parties have been mitigated down to casual kickbacks and smaller size social parties of friends getting together to celebrate after a midterm and what not. Also, one of the best points about UCSB is our location. We have our own private lagoon on campus and we're settled right next to the beach for an easy few minute walk to destress.
Honestly, Santa Barbara is a work hard play hard kind of school. Students are challenged more than adequately and take advantage of the many stress-relieving outlets available at this school: sports, surfing, going out to the town of Isla Vista. Everyone is friendly-students, custodians, faculty. As a freshman, it is very easy to find some sort of niche where you will belong. All the negative stereotypes that come wit college life are present, but in my opinion there is no better place to experience it than the beautiful campus of Santa Barbara surrounded by people that eagerly accept you (and respect you) into the college lifestyle
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-Santa Barbara is 35%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
It was completely correct to get involved with as many organizations and activities that you did when you were in High School. Although you would have gotten to "better schools" if your GPA was higher but the foundation that every student should focus on is participating in sports, joining clubs, and doing volunteer work. So honestly, I have nothing to say about the transition to college and say good job. However, I would give you better advice on women and to tell you that you should have just gone out with those girls who liked you instead of being a shy, "I'm too tough for love" type but alas this is about college, not dating. Now I'm almost 30 and still single partially because of you! Silly High School self. But you've done great for the college part.
My classmates are diverse, interesting, and have alot of learning to do.
that they party too much
Stereotypes are never fully accurate because there are all sorts of students at this school. I personally know a few of my friends who have never even been to a big party here. There are so many other activities that one can participate in other than parties. Yes, Isla Vista could be considered a party town, but that is because it is primarily all students. If students are all living together, of course there are going to be parties, but that does not make us any dumber or any less responsible than any other college. UCSB students are very smart and work hard in school, it just so happens that the town we live in is very compact with students and makes it very easy to socialize.
UCSB is a highly ranked university so the academics are very good. There is a wide selection of very interesting classes. The professors are all extremely intelligent and know how to keep students interested. I have not had a problem with any professor so far. Although its a very large school and classes tend to be big, every professor holds "office hours" which gives students a chance to go in and have one on one time with them, get to know them, and ask any questions you want. Office hours are a great way of getting to know a professor and having them get to know you as well.
You cannot think about UCSB without thinking about Isla Vista (IV). IV is UCSB's immensely populated and condensed college town that is literally across the street from campus. At first glance, it may seem run down, full of homeless people, and a bit crazy. That's because it is. But at the same time, for many UCSB students it's home and we're proud of it. The homeless become your friends, you get used to the "run downness" and paying way too much rent to share a tiny room, IV has some of the best food (including Freebirds and Silvergreens), and everyone you know lives there. Isla Vista intimidated me at first and I was positive going into college at UCSB that I would never life in IV. But its been two years since my habitation in IV and I can condidently say that you WILL feel left out if you never live in IV and trust me, it's worth it. Where is the place to be on campus? The UCEN (university center) and the Arbor. Both of these main spots are filled with students throughout the week. In a school of over 15,000, you're bound to see someone you know at one of these spots during the day. The walkway between Ellison and the library is also a beautiful place to nap, eat lunch, or just take a stroll on. Is there anything unusual about UCSB? While UCSB's campus is on the beach and BEAUTIFUL, there are a lot of awkard looking buildings and mismatched architecture. I guess you chould say that it gives the campus some variety, but I personally think we cannot make up our minds as to what we want the campus to look like. Some are modern, some are very old and out of style, and some are very new and aesthetically appealing (HSSB or Kohn Hall). The library could use a makeover as well. Overall, the trees, grass, and beach make up for any visual/physical flaws the campus may have.
UCSB does not have a football team, so it is not like other colleges where football games are a big deal. But, our soccer team is very good and soccer games are highly attended by students. Basketball games also have big turnouts as well. Greek life at UCSB is not big. I believe only 9% of students ate involved in Greek life, in comparison to 20-30% at most other universities. There are many things to do at UCSB. There are hundreds of clubs that one can join. Excursion club and adventure club are two clubs that provide entertainment on the weekends that do not involve drinking. Outdoor activities and adventures every day of the week are possible at UCSB. There are also clubs like Salsa club, tango club, and other dance clubs that one can join. Finding something to do is never an issue. The beach is just steps away so going to the beach Is always an option. Santa Barbara also has great hiking trails! There is also the option of taking the bus downtown (just 20 min) and spending the day in downtown Santa Barbara where there is the main street "State Street" full of shops, stores, bars and restaurants. Also has a beautiful pier and wide beach
We have our own beach! We have amazing views of the ocean and running tracks. It's a very healty school.
very chill
beautiful location!!! easy to find friends and have a good social life. everyone is very good looking and friendly. the ta's and professors are awsome and easy to participate in lecture and section. its easy to make the best out of this college without joining a sorority or fraternity. i love the campus and how its such a college town with a community full of students!!! very easy to grow independent from parents and personal growth too!
Get involved in your school right away! Take advantage of all the resources the university has to offer and that you pay for. Grow and learn from your professors through office hours and research opportunities. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone in the means of academics, extracurricular activities, and your social life. Start applying for financial aide and scholarships ASAP! The transition from High School to College will be difficult, but stay true to yourself and morals. Manage your time wisely, and be self-efficient.
if you don't find the right group of people freshman year, it can be hard to branch out of your friendship circle later on in your college career. there are a lot of people who drink and party a lot and if you accidentally make friends with them freshman year it can be tough to find others out there who don't need to drink all the time.
Students who attend this school must have a love for the beach and the social scene. As a person who was native to a large metropolitan city, I found Santa Barbara to be quite small. However, if one is to build a decent network of friends through local organizations, then there should not be a problem. Surfers would love the waters here and a beach day is only a small walk away. Those who do not love commuting will love living in Isla Vista, the local college town adjacent to UCSB.
A quiet, non-social person who is uncomfortable with lots of activities going on.
Party Social Scene, Beautiful people, Great beaches (although colder compared to Southern California), Great trees, Various hiking trails, A nice downtown to explore, Wine tasting galore, Some interesting cities to explore if you decide to take a roadtrip to nearby locales, Engineering, Science, and Economics.
i tell my friends that this University is very laid back and easy going. Everyone is very friendly and very helpful. The location is very beautiful. Most importantly, i have had really good professors.
The most frusterating thing about my school is the meal plans because they are strict and hard to swipe people in.
UCSB definitely has a stereotype as a "party school," but there are parties at every college; with the exception of a couple crazy weekend each year (Halloween, for one), I think the average student here has a relatively normal social life with respect to other universities. It would be a mistake to think the primary student experience here is partying. Our academics are world-class, and the amazing climate leads to a really active, vibrant student body. Your college experience will be what you make of it, and UCSB has great opportunities to have an amazing time, whatever that means for you.
Third year Gobal Studies major Lisa came to Santa Barbara from her hometown in Texas to gain a different perspective on life and to surround herself with a more liberal, open-minded student body- although her peers are very intelligent, she was pleasantly surprised by everyone’s laid-back attitude!
Santa Catalina are the freshman dorms located approximately 3/4 of a mile from campus. Formerly known as Francisco Torres, or FT, the dorms were renamed in the 2007-2008 school year. They consist of two buildings of 10, mostly co-ed floors. There's a dining hall, pool, plenty of bike racks, volleyball and tennis courts, and various recreation and study rooms.
53%
female
47%
male
Total Undergrad Enrollment
Total Grad Students
Out-Of-State
In-State
International
Student Organizations
Fraternities
Sororities
On-Campus Housing
of students living on campus
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
70% of students attending University of California-Santa Barbara receive some sort of financial aid. 39% were awarded federal grants. While 40% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
Tuition and fees(Out of state)
Books and Supplies
Room and Board
Total On Campus
We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.
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