Santa Barbara City College is a public 2-year college in Santa Barbara, California with 9,889 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $2,684 a year after grants and graduates 32% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Santa Barbara City College acceptance rate and admissions
Santa Barbara City College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Santa Barbara City College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $1,242 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $10,674 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $12,519 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $2,684 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $2,684 a year after grants and scholarships, $9,835 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Santa Barbara City College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Santa Barbara City College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 32% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $53,616 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $12,000 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 22% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Trade and career programs at Santa Barbara City College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 60 | $54,870 | $71,351 | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 43 | n/a | $59,345 | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 35 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 27 | n/a | $88,991 | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Associate degree | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Construction trades | Certificate | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 9,889 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 56% women, 44% men
- 24 students for every faculty member
- Setting: small city
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Santa Barbara City College?
No. Santa Barbara City College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Santa Barbara City College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $1,242 for in-state students and $10,674 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $2,684 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Santa Barbara City College?
32% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Santa Barbara City College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $53,616 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in California · Santa Barbara City College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.