UC Santa Barbara Admissions Statistics: Detailed Analysis

Planning to apply to UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)? You’re aiming for one of America’s top public universities, and admission is highly competitive. To help you prepare a standout application, here’s a comprehensive analysis of UCSB’s latest admissions data—from acceptance rates and academic profiles to selectivity by majors and strategies that give you an edge.

📉 Overall Acceptance Rate

For fall 2024, UCSB received about 110,256 applications, admitting 36,312 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 32.9% :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Industry sources such as Indigo Research and PrepScholar report similar rates—“below 30%”—with figures ranging from 27.8% to 28% :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

The decline in acceptance from 37% (Class of 2024) to 27–33% (recent years) shows UCSB is becoming more selective :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🏠 In-State vs Out-of-State & Gender Breakdown

UCSB practices holistic review, but maintains geographic balance:

• In-State Applicants: ~74,700 → ~20,950 admits → ~28% acceptance :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Out-of-State/International Applicants: ~36,185 → ~9,854 admits → ~27% acceptance :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Interestingly, many sources report similar in- and out-of-state rates, suggesting approximately equal consideration :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🎓 Academic Profile of Admitted Students

High School GPA

The middle 50% of admitted freshmen have a weighted GPA range between 4.13–4.29 :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. With 90% of admits earning straight-A grades in rigorous A-G courses, UCSB clearly demands strong academic consistency :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

SAT & ACT Scores

• SAT Composite (25th–75th): 1230–1480 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• SAT EBRW: 620–730; Math: 650–790; overall 1355 average :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• ACT Composite (25th–75th): 26–32, average around 29 :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Note that UCSB has adopted a test‑free policy—meaning SAT/ACT scores are optional and not used for admissions or scholarships :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Still, most applicants submit scores to strengthen their profile.

📊 Holistic Review & GPA Requirements

Minimum GPA requirements are:

• California Applicants: 3.0
• Out-of-State Applicants: 3.4

However, admitted students far exceed these minima, averaging A ranges in A-G subjects :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. UCSB emphasizes holistic review—high GPA, strong academics, extracurriculars, personal insight, and context are all key :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🧠 Key Admission Trends

• Increasing Applications: ~110,000+ in recent cycles :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Higher GPA Expectations: Averages around 4.3 weighted :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Greater Selectivity: Acceptance declined from ~37% (2022) to ~28% (2024) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🏛️ Selectivity By Major

• College of Engineering: ~9% overall; 5–9% depending on discipline (e.g., CS ~5%, Comp & EE ~9%) :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• College of Creative Studies: ~2% — extremely selective :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Letters & Science:
  • Math/Life/Physical Sci: ≈50%
  • Social Sciences: ≈23%
  • Humanities/Fine Arts: ≈8–9% :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

Major-specific selectivity means your odds vary widely depending on your intended field :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

🔁 Yield, Retention & Graduation Rates

• Enrollment Yield: ~14–15% (5,000 enrolled from ~36,300 admits) :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• First-Year Retention: ~97–98%—well above the national average :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: ~82% :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: ~92–93% :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

👥 Enrollment & Demographics

• Total Enrollment: 26,179 students (23,196 undergrads + 2,983 grad) :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Student–Faculty Ratio: ~17:1 :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Racial/Ethnic Mix: ~38% White, ~38% Asian, ~19% Hispanic/Latino, ~1% Black, ~5% multiracial :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Geographic Composition: ~79% in-state, 11% out-of-state, 11% international :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.

🎓 Academic & Program Offerings

UCSB offers:

• 3 Undergrad Colleges: Letters & Science, Engineering, Creative Studies :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• 90+ Undergraduate Majors & 200+ Graduate Programs :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.
• Top-Ranked Programs: Engineering (ABET-accredited), Environmental Studies, Psychology, Biology, Economics, Computer Science :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}.
• Research Status: Classified as R1, major research university with Nobel laureates and multiple national research centers :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}.

🗓 Admissions Timeline & Requirements

Key application deadlines:

• Fall Freshman Application via UC App: Deadline is typically November 30
• Test-Optional Policy: SAT/ACT not required and not considered :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}.
• Comprehensive Review: Academic rigor, GPA, coursework, PIQs, extracurricular depth, leadership, and adversity context :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}.

✅ Implications & Tips for Applicants

1. Maintain a weighted GPA ≥ 4.13 through AP/IB/A‑G courses.
2. Submit SAT/ACT scores if high—aim for SAT ≥1355 or ACT ≥29–32.
3. Focus on PIQs: Stand-out essays are critical in holistic review.
4. Select major wisely: STEM and humanities have varied selectivity.
5. Enhance applications: Leadership, community impact, consistent extracurriculars.

📝 Crafting Standout Essays

Essays are pivotal at UCSB, especially since testing is optional. A strong narrative shaped through PIQs can elevate your application.

For polished, high-impact essays—whether for UCSB or other selective schools—we highly recommend IvyPlug.com. Their expert writers specialize in college admissions, helping you find your voice and tell your story effectively.

🎯 Final Takeaways

• Acceptance Rate: ~28–33%
• GPA: 4.13–4.29 weighted (mostly A+/- students)
• SAT/ACT: Optional, but competitive students average SAT 1230–1480 / ACT 26–32
• Majors: Engineering and Creative Studies are the most selective
• Review Style: Holistic; essays and context are key differentiators

If you’re aiming for UCSB, now you know exactly what it takes. Strengthen your GPA, submit strong scores, and craft compelling essays. Need help? IvyPlug.com is ready to support you in making your application unforgettable.