University of California, Santa Barbara
(UCSB)
UC Santa Barbara is a distinguished public research university located on a stunning coastal campus along the Pacific Ocean. It is home to multiple Nobel Prize-winning faculty members and is nationally recognized for its physics, materials science, and engineering programs, combining world-class research with a unique beachside setting.
Mascot: Gaucho
Notable Alumni
Michael Douglas (Academy Award-winning actor)•Jack Johnson (musician and surfer)•Gwyneth Paltrow (Academy Award-winning actress)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Safety
UCSB Police patrol 24/7 with blue-light emergency phones throughout campus and a Community Service Officer nighttime escort program. The campus itself is relatively safe.
Isla Vista, the densely packed student community adjacent to campus, has higher crime rates driven by property theft and party-related incidents. Improved lighting and police foot patrols have helped.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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