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UC Santa Barbara  /  Financial aid

Paying for UC Santa Barbara

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what UC Santa Barbara actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at UC Santa Barbara for families earning under $80,000 a year. UC Blue and Gold Plan covers systemwide tuition for CA residents with family income up to ~$80k; UC-wide aid now extends tuition coverage up to $100k for most qualifying families; meets demonstrated need.

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run UC Santa Barbara's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$5,200/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$8,500/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$13,500/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$22,000/yr after aid
$110k+$34,000/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$36,381
In-state tuition$14,312
Out-of-state tuition$44,066
Room & board$18,700
Average net price$17,200
Students on aid57%
Financial needDoes not meet full need for everyone
International studentsNo need-based aid for international students

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