Is University of California-Santa Barbara Worth It?
Santa Barbara, CA · Midsize suburb · 23,113 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
University of California-Santa Barbara is a R1 Research University located in midsize suburb in Santa Barbara, CA. It enrolls approximately 23,113 students. The acceptance rate is 33%, making it selective. 83% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — a strong result. With $74,915 median earnings and $13,993 median debt, median debt equals about 2 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 75% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Strongly liberal student body
11.55 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 152 of 261, grade F.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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