A California university has been ranked the best party school in the US.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has earned the top spot on the list of ‘best party schools of 2025’ for the third year in a row, according to the ranking site Niche.
The educational research website annually compiles a diverse database, including more than 500,000 student reviews of their U.S. colleges.
The five categories used to create the rankings include bar accessibility, restaurant accessibility, Greek life, school athletics and transparent student surveys.
The school’s sunny glow, beachfront campus and mountain views have been aptly dubbed ‘Deltopia’ by party-goers.
A California university has been ranked the best party school in the US.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has earned the top spot on the list of ‘best party schools of 2025’ for the third year in a row, according to ranking site Niche.
One freshman commented on the school in late July, noting, ‘It’s literally heaven on Earth for an 18- to 21-year-old, as long as you don’t overdo it.
“It is necessary to prioritize school over partying because the academic load is quite rigorous.”
Other students added that the “party school” is “awesome.”
The university hosts its annual Deltopia street party, which often features active participation from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
The event, which takes place on Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista, typically draws thousands of attendees, many of whom are arrested, issued citations or require medical help.
In 2023, police officers made 23 arrests and issued 151 citations, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
There was a 500 percent increase in arrests and a 400 percent increase in citations in 2023, compared to the previous year.
However, law enforcement officials noted that crowds were “significantly larger” in 2023, due to many visitors from outside the campus area.
The educational research website annually compiles a diverse database, including more than 500,000 student reviews of their U.S. colleges.
The five categories used to create the rankings include bar accessibility, restaurant access, Greek life, school sports and transparent student surveys.
The school’s sunny glow, beachfront campus and mountain views have been aptly dubbed ‘Deltopia’ by party-goers.
One freshman commented on the school in late July, noting, “It’s literally heaven on Earth for an 18- to 21-year-old, as long as you don’t overdo it.”
In 2022, there were only four arrests and 34 citations issued.
Authorities said their staff was “inundated” with medical calls, with most of them related to alcohol poisoning.
Sheriff’s spokeswoman Raquel Zick said: KTLA Out of desperation for help, the Sheriff’s Office activated its volunteer rescue team.
Volunteers provided assistance to the fire department and paramedics, and most locals also helped put an end to the out-of-control festivities.
In 2019, there were 38 arrests, 94 citations issued, and 19 people were hospitalized.
The annual Deltopia event began nearly two decades ago.
Previously, the party was known as ‘Floatopia’, because participants celebrated on the beach, while on rafts and floats.
Just a few years after its launch, Santa Barbara County officials ended the event due to excessive trash on beaches and complaints from neighbors.
The student continued: “You have to prioritize school over partying because the academic load is quite rigorous.” Other students added that the “party school” is “awesome.”
The university hosts its annual Deltopia street party, which often features active participation from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
UC Santa Barbara subsequently withdrew its seal of approval from the event and attempted to discourage students from continuing to attend.
In 2014, the party had its largest attendance, reaching over 20,000 people, leading to riots and numerous arrests and citations.
During the drastic party that year there were more than 130 arrests and 50 participants were hospitalized.
Since those difficult times, authorities have proactively attempted to reduce arrests and medical calls by enforcing parking restrictions and launching campaigns in an effort to keep the event “local.”
‘Deltopia’ was not made in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic.
The University of Oklahoma ranked second in Niche’s 2025 annual party school rankings, and the University of Cincinnati ranked third.
