University of California, Santa Barbara
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University of California, Santa Barbara Rankings 2025

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#36 in USA

#44 in MS in USA

  • Institute Icon1055 acre campus
  • Estd. 1891
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UCSB
Ranking Highlights

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Commonly asked questions
On Ranking Highlight

Q:   What is the ranking of University of California Santa Barbara globally?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara is among the top universities in USA for continuing higher education. When it comes to ranking, UC Santa Barbara is one of the top-ranked universities in the world. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the University of California Santa Barbara has an overall ranking of #29 in USA. Check the table listed below for UC Santa Barbara ranking by top ranking publisher all over the world:

Ranking Publishers

Rank

Shiksha Popularity Rankings

#29 in USA and #43 in MS in USA

US News & World Report 2025

#39

Times Higher Education 2025

#67

QS World University Rankings 2025

#178

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking 2024)

#64

Q:   What is the ranking of University of California Santa Barbara in comparison to the UIUC?

A: 

According to the Times Higher Education, the University of California Santa Barbara is ranks at #64 and UIUC ranks between #48 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. The comparative rankings of University of California Santa Barbara and UIUC are given as follows:

Year

University of California Santa Barbara

UIUC

2023

64

48

2024

69

42

2025

67

46

Q:   What is the ranking of University of California Santa Barbara in comparison to University of California Riverside?

A: 

According to the QS, the University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #178 and University of California Riverside ranks at #497 under the category of “QS World University Rankings 2025”. The comparative rankings of University of California Santa Barbara and University of California Riverside are given as follows:

Year

University of California Santa Barbara

University of California Riverside

2023

149

453

2024

163

404

2025

178

497

UCSB
University Ranking

Shiksha

#36

US News Ranking

#39

ARWU Ranking

#64

THE Ranking

#67

QS Ranking

#178
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UCSB
Course Ranking

Showing 3 Courses
#44
Shiksha popularity ranking

MS

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Shiksha

#44

US News

#13

ARWU

#13

QS

#22

THE

#47
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Specializations in MS Program

Physics

Shiksha

#8

ARWU

#13

QS

#22
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Chemical Engineering

Shiksha

#15

US News

#13
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#43
Shiksha popularity ranking

B.E. / B.Tech

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Shiksha

#43

US News

#25
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Specializations in B.E. / B.Tech Program

Electrical Engineering

Shiksha

#30

US News

#25
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#26
Shiksha popularity ranking

MFA

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Shiksha

#26

QS

#101
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US News Icon

University of California Santa Barbara US News & World Report Rankings 2025

Ranked by202320242025
Global Universities
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6789– / –
National University323539
Chemical Engineering PG1113– / –
Electrical Engineering PG2326– / –
Mechanical Engineering PG3327– / –
UG Electrical-Electronic and Communications Engineering25– / –– / –

University of California Santa Barbara Vs Other Universities: US News & World Report Comparison

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University of California Santa Barbara US News & World Report 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Commonly asked questions
On UCSB US News & World Report Ranking

Q:   Where does the University of California Santa Barbara rank globally?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara is among the top universities for continuing higher education in USA. According to US News & World Report, the University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #39 under the “Best National Universities 2025”. Also, UC Santa Barbara ranks at #13 in the “Top Public School” and #200 in “Best Value Schools”. Moreover, the University of California Santa Barbara more ranking by US News & World Report is listed below:

Particulars

Rank

Overall Score

79

Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

#35

Economics

#43

Best Colleges for Veterans

#20

Top Performers on Social Mobility

#20

Q:   Does the University of California Santa Barbara rank better than the UC Los Angeles?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara and UC Los Angeles both are some of the best universities in USA. According to US News & World Report, the University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #39 and the UC Los Angeles ranks at #15 under the category of “Best National Universities 2025”. Check the table listed below for UC Santa Barbara and UC Los Angeles ranking over the past years:

Year

University of California Santa Barbara

UC Los Angeles

2023

32

20

2024

35

NA

2025

39

15

QS Icon

University of California Santa Barbara QS Rankings 2025

Ranked by202320242025
Sustainability– / –– / –396
World University
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149163178
Architecture and Built Environment201– / –– / –
Biological Sciences151148– / –
Communication and Media Studies2936– / –
Engineering and Technology
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132132– / –
Mathematics151201– / –
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering101143– / –
Medicine401451– / –
Pharmacy and Pharmacology201201– / –
Physics and Astronomy1822– / –
Politics201201– / –
Sociology201201– / –

University of California Santa Barbara Vs Other Universities: QS Comparison

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University of California Santa Barbara QS 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Commonly asked questions
On UCSB QS Ranking

Q:   What is the University of California Santa Barbara QS ranking?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara is among the top choices of international students in USA for continuing higher studies. The University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #178 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. Also, UC Santa Barbara ranks at #22 under the “QS WUR Ranking by Subject”. Moreover, the university also ranks at #396 in the “QS Sustainability Ranking”. Check the table listed below for UC Santa Barbara ranking over the past 3 years:

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

QS World University Ranking 2024

QS World University Ranking 2025

UC Santa Barbara

#149

#163

#178

Q:   Which university ranks better in the QS rankings - University of California Santa Barbara or UC Riverside?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara and UC Riverside are some of the most esteemed universities in USA. According to QS, the University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #178 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. Whereas, University of California Riverside ranks at #497 under the “World University Rankings 2025”. Check the table listed below for QS rankings of both the universities over the past years:

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

QS World University Ranking 2024

QS World University Ranking 2025

UC Santa Barbara

#149

#163

#178

UC Riverside

#453

#404

#497

 

THE Icon

University of California Santa Barbara THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2025

Ranked by202320242025
University
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646967
Arts and Humanities828384
Engineering
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434647
Life Sciences73101101
PG Computer Science
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606562
Psychology577480

University of California Santa Barbara Vs Other Universities: THE Comparison

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University of California Santa Barbara THE (Times Higher Education) 2025: Ranking Criteria

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Commonly asked questions
On UCSB THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

Q:   What is the University of California Santa Barbara ranking in Times Higher Education rankings?

A: 

According to the Times Higher Education (THE), the University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #67 under the category of “World University Rankings 2025”. Moreover, the UC Santa Barbara popular programs are also ranked by THE such as Arts and Humanities at #84, Computer Science #62, Engineering #47, Life Science #101-125, and more. Students can check the table listed below for the parameters that are evaluated by THE while ranking UC Santa Barbara:

Parameters

Score Achieved

Overall

72.7

Teaching

49.6

Research Environment

65.5

Research Quality

96.7

Industry

96.8

International Outlook

81.9

Q:   What are the criteria used by Times Higher Education (THE) for ranking the UC Santa Barbara in the world?

A: 

The University of California Santa Barbara is one of the most reputed universities in United States. UC Santa Barbara is highly appreciated by international students for offering the best academic programs. The university is one of the highest ranked universities in the world. According to THE, the University of California Santa Barbara ranks at #67 under the “World University Rankings 2025”. Furthermore, check the table listed below for the parameters that are evaluated by THE while ranking UC Santa Barbara:

Parameters

Score Achieved

Overall

72.7

Teaching

49.6

Research Environment

65.5

Research Quality

96.7

Industry

96.8

International Outlook

81.9

Shanghai Ranking Icon

UCSB
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2024

Ranked by202220232024
Universities
Info Icon
576364
Law– / –201201
Mathematics101101101
Physics131513
Political Sciences5151101
Sociology7610176

UCSB
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.9/5
Verified Icon16 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Fun loving
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Friendly
  • Sporty
Student Views
  • 6% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3.3
Part time work3.1
Post study jobs4.4
Quality of faculty4.4
Student Life4.4
Value for money3.2
Public transportation4.5
Safety4.4
Indian Food4.3
Permanent Immigration3.1
M
Monica Verified Icon
B.A. in Biology - Batch of 2027
4
Provides a good sense of belonging here.
Tips: I was apprehensive before I got here but because of how supportive the environment was and because of the resources employed for international students, it became a lot easier to find my place. The faculty is well-versed in their courses and they push you to explore your potential and think in a critical manner which has taught me many valuable lessons and experiences. In case you need any assistance, there are student communities that are quick to help. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
BS in Microbiology - Batch of 2024
4
I have had lot of experiences so far both good and bad.
Tips: One of the best things about this university is the location and the networking opportunities available here. The classes are inclusive and the campus environment in general is very friendly. The faculty and staff are very friendly and approachable. However, registration and currency conversion can be challenging. Overall, it's an enjoyable experience.
Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024Read more
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A
Alisha S Verified Icon
MA in Classics - Batch of 2023
3.7
One of a kind college life with great and friendly faculty.
Tips: I underwent a lot of personality development and managed to discover my passion for writing and expression. This was also because of all the supportive and like-minded individuals I have met on campus which is what UCSB is pretty well known for as well. Overall, I am pretty satisfied and grateful for my experience.
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MA in Economics - Batch of 2025
3.9
University of California has provided a great experience so far with amazing faculty.
Tips: For me, studying here at UCSB has been a major change in my life and an experience that has also transformed me. I had some culture shock when I came here and was initially a little nervous but I also noticed that the student services and peer mentors made a big difference in helping me settle in. Overall, it has been a good experience for me so far.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Technology Management - Batch of 2026
3.9
Had a good time here with great faculty.
Tips: I have had a fulfilling experience at UCSB. I've learned a lot and grown a lot as a person. Before you start your classes, get an idea of where they are located and who your professors are. Ask your guidance counselors about them. They can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
Likes (Quality of faculty): I've had a good experience at UCSB. The professors and faculty are very approachable and understanding when you have concerns or significant issues. I've seen Indian-origin professors and professors from other ethnicities as well. I've had mainly positive experiences with them as they are happy to help.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
BS in Ecology and Evolution - Batch of 2025
3.7
Very accepting campus and culture.
Tips: I have learned a lot from my time here in California. Studying here has made me realise that a lot of learning can take place outside classrooms as well. This prompted me to participate in sports and extracurriculars such as cultural events. All in all, I have had a pleasant and positive experience.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024Read more
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UCSB

Student Forum

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Answered a week ago

The University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate is around 33%, which makes admission moderately selective for international students. It is worth it to study at UCSB because of its impressive placement opportunities for graduates. The UC Santa Barbara placement rate is around 90% and grad

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Aayushi Sharma

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 months ago

The University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate decreases from 27.78% in 2023-24 to 33% in 2024-25. The university received over 110,000 applications for undergraduate admission among which around 30,000 students are admitted at the university. The below table includes the UC Santa Barbar

...Read more

43308123
Chandra Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 months ago

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers an MBA program in Economics for international students. The cost of studying MBA (first year) is around INR 25 L and the duration of the program is 9 months. Mentioned below are the admission criteria to study MBA at the university:

  • Complete a bachel

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43308123
Chandra Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 months ago

The UCSB acceptance rate is around 33%, which makes admission moderately competitive for international students. Therefore, it may be difficult to get admission to the University of California, Santa Barbara for applicants. They must meet all the entry requirements and submit the application by the

...Read more

43308123
Chandra Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 8 months ago

University of California Santa Barbara is a competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 26%. This figure tells us that only 26 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is less than half of all the applicants. However, students must note get

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56255227
Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Sanchit Awasthi

Study Abroad Expert

Sanchit has completed schooling from Ryan International School, Noida. Did his undergraduate from the University of Delhi with a degree in bachelor of arts in Economics and Political Science. He has performed various extracurricular activities in sch...Read Full Bio
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UCSB
Location

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University CitySanta Barbara, California, USA
Size of citySmall
Population of City92,101

UCSB
Contact Information

Address

University of California, Santa Barbara
Student Resource Building, Room 3130
Santa Barbara, CA 93106

Santa Barbara ( California)

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