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College Roadmap · Family ROI Report
UNIVERSITY · CDS 2025-2026
University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Prepared for Sample Student · Santa Barbara, CA
Best-case 4-yr offset
$40,525
AP savings
Typical 4-yr offset
$87,189
AP + avg merit × 4
Need-based (if eligible)
up to $131,600 / 4 yrs
Admissions Reality
38.3%
Yield 12.1% · Test Blind
Annual Sticker Cost
$78,768
Net after avg aid: $45,868
AP Tuition Saved
$40,525
25 credits · 1.7 semester(s)

Admissions Profile

SAT Total (mid 50%)
—
ACT Composite
—
GPA
Not reported
Decision Plans
RD

Middle 50% GPA: 4.04-4.28

Cost Breakdown

Tuition$48,636
Fees$1,971
Room & board$19,623
Cost of Attendance (sticker)$78,768
Average need-based aid− $32,900
Net price (avg)$45,868

Merit Scholarship Opportunity

Regents Scholarship

AP Investment & Return

Based on UC Santa Barbara's AP credit policy (min score 3).

Edit AP profile
Calculus BC
+5 credits · $8,105
5
Chemistry
+5 credits · $8,105
5
Biology
+5 credits · $8,105
5
English Language
+5 credits · $8,105
4
US History
+5 credits · $8,105
4
Credits
25
Sem. saved
1.7
Saved
$40,525
College Board Recognition
AP Scholar with Distinction

Average score of 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3+ on 5 or more exams.

Say to the parent

"UCSB offers your child a unique combination of a top-tier research university and a vibrant, supportive campus community. With its stunning location on the California coast, UCSB provides an unparalleled living and learning environment. The university is renowned for its strengths in the sciences and engineering, and its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in a global society."

Say to the student

"Life at UCSB is all about balance. You'll be challenged academically by world-class professors, but you'll also have endless opportunities to get involved in campus life, from surfing and hiking to joining one of the hundreds of student organizations. The campus has a really collaborative and creative vibe, and you'll find that your classmates are just as passionate about learning as you are."

College Admissions Co-pilot · Sourced from CDS 2025-2026 + official school financial aid & AP credit policy pagesUpdated 2026-04-22