gta gage 2025!

What percentage of UCSB students live on or within one mile of UCSB's campus?

82%

How many students attend UCSB in total?

26,000

How many undergraduate students?

~23,200 undergraduate

How many graduate students?

~2,800 graduate

What percentage of students are from California?

82%

What percentage of students are out of state?

8%

What percentage of students are international students?

(bonus: from how many countries?)

10% (97 countries)

What percentage of domestic undergrad students identify as white?

35%

What percentage of domestic undergrad students identify as Chicano/Latino?

28%

What percentage of domestic undergrad students identify as Asian/Pacific Islander?

29%

What percentage of domestic undergrad students identify as Black/African American?

5%

What percentage of domestic undergrad students identify as American Indian/Alaskan?

1%

What percentage of students enter as freshmen?

73% freshmen

What percentage of students enter as transfer students?

27% transfer

What percentage of undergraduates identify as first-generation college students?

31%

How many colleges does UCSB offer and what are their names?

3

College of Letters & Science

College of Engineering

College of Creative Studies

How many majors does UCSB offer?

90+

How many minors does UCSB offer?

40+

How many faculty members do we have for undergrad courses?

1100+

What is the student to faculty ratio?

18:1

How many Nobel prizes have been won by UCSB faculty members? And in what areas?

6 Nobel Prizes won by UCSB faculty members in Physics, Chemistry & Economics

What campus ranking does UCSB hold as "Best Public University" in the country according to Forbes (2025)?

#8

What ranking does UCSB hold in "Best Public University" according to U.S. News & World Report (2025)?

#13

What ranking does UCSB hold overall for "Greenest Universities" according to Princeton Review (2022)?

#10

What ranking does UCSB hold nationally for "Happiest Students" according to Princeton Review (2022)?

#11

What ranking does UCSB hold nationally for "Best Beach College" according to the College Consensus (2022)?

#3

What ranking does UCSB hold for "Best Global Universities" according to U.S. News & World Report (2025)?

#89

What ranking does UCSB hold among the "Best Hispanic Serving-Institutions" in America according to Niche (2025)?

#4

What ranking does UCSB hold in "Best Value Public School" according to the Princeton Review (2024)?

#8

What ranking does UCSB hold for "Best Student Life" according to Niche (2025)?

#3

What is UCSB's liberal arts education rooted in...?

"theory and research"

What percentage of undergraduate courses are taught directly by faculty members?

over 90%

What is the average class size for lower-division classes?

52 students

What is the average class size for upper-division classes?

36 students

What percentage of freshmen return to UCSB after their 1st year? How does this compare to the national retention rate for freshmen?

92% of freshmen at UCSB

71% nationally

What percentage of transfers return to UCSB after their 1st year?

92% of transfers

What percentage of freshmen graduate within 4 years? Within 6 years?

How does the percentage of freshmen who graduate within 4 years compared to the national 4-year graduation rate?

72% of freshmen graduate within 4 years, 85% within 6 years

National graduation rate: 33.3%

What percentage of transfers graduate within 2 years? Within 4 years?

66% of transfers graduate within 2 years, 88% within 4 years

What is the average time to degree for freshmen?

3.84 years

What are Discovery Seminars?

One unit courses taught by distinguished faculty members designed for first year and transfer students

What are some examples of discovery seminars?

Love and Desire from the Middle Ages to the Present

The Beauty of Mathematics: What is infinity? What to win the lottery?

Garbage and Consumption: What happens to the stuff we consume and toss? What are some problems created by waste?

Even your Shampoo is Fascinating: Science and engineering of cosmetic and consumer products

Ethics in STEM: Designing with conscious

What are some classes that first-year freshmen and transfer students can take to better transition?

INT 95A: The Modern Research University

2 unit, course offered to introduce the mission of the modern research university and introduce students to different kinds of work that faculty and staff are engaged in at UCSB

Explores opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, the Honors Program, studying abroad, as well as resources available to excel as a student

ED 118: The Research University & the Transfer Student Experience

4 unit lecture with section typically offered in fall and winter

Introduces students to the research university. Covers academic, personal and social issues related to transfer student success.

How many undergraduate and graduate students make up the College of Letters and Science?

20,000+ undergraduate students & ~2,000 graduate students

How many undergraduate majors and minors are under the College of Letters and Science?

80+ undergraduate majors & 40+ undergraduate minors

What are the three divisions of study under the College of Letters and Science?

Humanities & Fine Arts; Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences; and Social Sciences

What ranking does UCSB sociology hold in California (College Factual, 2025)?

#4

What ranking does UCSB English hold nationally (US News & World Report, 2021)?

#32

What ranking does UCSB physics hold nationally (College Factual, 2025)?

#14

What ranking does UCSB communication major hold in the world (QS World Univ. Rankings, 2024)?

#36

What year must freshmen declare their major by?

Freshmen must declare a major by the end of their second year.

Can transfer students apply to UCSB undeclared?

No, transfer students must declare their major upon application

When can students enter the College of Letters & Science Honors Program?

Newly admitted students will be invited to apply during the summer before entering UCSB

Continuing students can apply the summer before their second year

What must Honors students do to maintain their status in the program?

must maintain a 3.2 GPA to remain in the program and complete 6 honors experiences by the end of their time

What majors are in the College of Creative Studies

Writing and Literature, Art, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, Music Composition, Marine Science, Computing, Math

What GPA do incoming transfer students need apply for the honors program?

Incoming transfer students need a 3.5 GPA to apply (or 3.2 GPA if coming from another UC)

What benefits do honors students receive?

Honors students receive special advising services and access to Honors seminars

How many undergraduate and graduate students are in the College of Engineering (CoE)?

~1,800 undergraduate students & ~700 graduate students

What are the 5 undergraduate majors under the College of Engineering?

Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Computer Science.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio in CoE?

About 10:1

What is the "Plus one year" masters program (mainly under CoE)?

It allows students to earn both their bachelor's and master's degree in just one extra year of study.

(Non-engineering "plus one" programs are also available for some majors)

What ranking does UCSB CoE hold in "best public engineering program" nationally (US News and World Report, 2023)?

#14

How many students are in the College of Creative Studies (CCS)?

~400 students (all undergraduate)

How many majors are under CCS?

9 majors (all undergraduate)

What is the percentage of CCS graduates continue to pursue their disciplines in graduate or professional school?

~75%

Bonus: Who is Carol Greider?

Alumnae of this CCS (1983) who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2009 "for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase."

What is PaCE?

Division of Professional & Continuing Education

Serves current UCSB students, international visiting scholars, local community members, and professionals through multiple programs (Courses taken through PaCE require additional fees)

Most relevant to UCSB students are the division's certificate programs

What is the Technology Management Program (offered through PaCE)?

A joint venture with the College of Engineering (but open to all UCSB students)

TMP teaches students about entrepreneurial and business practices, especially in the context of technology companies. 18 units required (4 through PaCE).

What is the Web Development Program (offered through PaCE)?

Perfect for professionals who want to learn web development with no prior knowledge.

Students learn HTML, CSS, Javascript, and advanced tools for web development. Collaboration with UC San Diego extension!

The curriculum comprises 4 required courses, and 2 elective courses of at least 6 units.

What is the Interlibrary Loan Program?

Students can access materials from all other UC libraries for free through the Interlibrary Loan Program (request online & book is shipped to campus)

What is "Overnight study" at the UCSB library?

Only the 1st and 2nd floors are open

The library offers 24/7 study spaces

Safety tip:

After public hours, a valid UCSB ID is required for entry & the building is patrolled by CSO's (who will escort students by foot or bike to any location on campus or in IV 24/7)

Where is the Transfer Student Center located? What does it offer?

Located on first floor, Ocean Side of the UCSB Library

Provides a central location for currently enrolled transfer students to make connections with each other, campus resources and pathways to academic/career success

What does Career Services do? What resources do they offer?

Staff help students find internships, student jobs and post-graduate career opportunities

Resources:

Resume & cover letter editing

Mock interviews

Interest assessments

Handshake (online database of jobs and internships from hundreds of employers)

Hosts career fairs every quarter

What percentage of students graduate having completed at least one internship?

~67%

What percent of UCSB students are either professionally employed or pursuing a graduate degree within one year of graduation?

84%

True/false: Alumni can use Career Services for free for one year after their graduation

True

What does CAPS stand for?

Counseling and Psychological Services

What does CAPS offer?

Counseling from a licensed psychologist

Mental Health Peers (who help students manage stress and increase mental health awareness with frequent activities, workshops, events, etc.)

Telehealth appointments over phone and zoom are also available

Relaxation room with massage chairs and other resources

How much does CAPS cost?

No cost, even if the students waive Gaucho Health Insurance

What are some examples of programs UCSB Health and Wellness offers?

Cooking classes, Dog Therapy Day, Fruit Bowls on Campus, Wellness Centers with free massages and resources, Programs about nutrition/alcohol & drugs/sexual health/stress/sleep, Free HIV/STI testing, Midterm and Finals Wellness Programs, Mindfulness Meditation

What percentage of UCSB undergraduates receive some sort of financial aid (mostly need-based)?

63%

What community of students does the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) support?

Primarily supports first generation and/or income-eligible college students, but it's open to all students

What programs and centers do the office of EOP run?

Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP)

Summer Transfer Transition Program (STTP)

Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP) Satellite Office

Cultural Resource Centers

What is STEP?

Summer Transitional Enrichment Program

One-week summer residential program for incoming first-year students in EOP to help facilitate these students' transition into UCSB.

Students are introduced to college coursework, peer mentors, and workshops

What is STTP?

Summer Transfer Transition Program

One-week summer residential program for first year transfer students in EOP to help them transition onto campus

What is FSSP?

Freshman Summer Start Program

EOP is in collaboration with Summer Sessions for a 6-week summer residential program for incoming first-year students

What are cultural resources centers? What cultural resource centers does EOP offer?

Provides cultural programming to facilitate interaction and collaboration between students of all backgrounds

American Indian & Indigenous, African Diasporic, Chicanx/Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, & South Asian, and Asian Resource Centers all located in the SRB, El Centro serves Chicanx/Latinx near the Library

What is the RCSGD?

Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity

Helps students navigate & celebrate gender and sexuality with support programming and advocacy

Provides Safe Zone inclusivity training for the campus community

Provides Queer and Trans Identities & Experiences Seminars

Where is the RCSGD located?

The 3rd floor of the Student Resource Building (SRB)

What does WGSE stand for?

Women, Gender, & Sexual Equity

Advocates for and provides education on women's issues, feminism, healthy masculinities, and gender and social equity

What programs does the WGSE offer?

Women's Center in SRB, physical center has a library and hosts events related to feminism

Non-Traditional Student Center

Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE)

What students does the Non-Traditional Student Center support? What resources do they offer?

Serves undergraduates ages 25+ & graduate students 29+

Offers priority registration, childcare grants, and lockers

Physical Space in the SRB

What is CARE?

Provides confidential advocacy and support to students, staff, and faculty impacted by sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking

What percentage of freshmen attend Freshman Orientation?

95% of incoming freshmen

What is the Disabled Students Program (DSP)?

Temporary or permanent accommodations keep education accessible to all students

Can have extra test time, individual test time, and note-taking resources

What is the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS)?

Provides immigration (visa) support for the UCSB community, advising for international students, and cultural programming

What are campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS)?

Free tutoring services for students

Examples: Chem, Economics, Statistics

OR drop-in hours for any subject, including writing and math

What is SEAL?

Student Engagement and Leadership

Oversees registered campus organizations (including fraternities and sororities) and student leadership development programs

What are Dream Scholars/Undocumented Student Services?

Provides general counseling, legal services, programming, and a safe space (Monarch Lounge) for undocumented students

For undocumented students, students with undocumented family, or mixed status families

What do the Veterans & Military Services offer?

Help Veteran students and military dependents with advising and other student services

What are some resources/services Associated Students Services host (A.S. Board)?

AS Food Bank, AS Legal Resource Center, AS Bike Shop