About Antioch University Santa Barbara
Antioch University Santa Barbara (AUSB) is a private liberal arts university located at 602 Anacapa Street in downtown Santa Barbara, part of the broader Antioch University system with campuses across the United States. Since opening its Santa Barbara campus in 1977, AUSB has offered progressive, student-centered education to adult learners and working professionals seeking graduate and undergraduate degrees grounded in social justice, community engagement, and applied learning.
AUSB's programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (with concentrations in Applied Psychology, Business & Entrepreneurship, Child Development & Education, Environmental Studies, and more), the Master of Fine Arts in Writing & Contemporary Media, the Master of Business Administration, and the Master of Arts in Education, among others. The university's downtown Santa Barbara location puts students in the heart of one of California's most vibrant and intellectually engaged cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Antioch University Santa Barbara located?
Antioch University Santa Barbara is located at 602 Anacapa Street in downtown Santa Barbara, California 93103. The campus is in the heart of downtown, steps from State Street and within easy walking distance of our Best Western Plus Santa Barbara hotel.
- Which of your hotels is closest to the AUSB campus?
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara on Chapala Street is the closest property — approximately a 5-minute walk from AUSB's Anacapa Street campus. Our three West Beach properties (Brisas del Mar, Lavender Inn, Inn by the Harbor) are approximately 8–10 minutes by car.
- Do you accommodate visiting scholars and faculty needing quiet working environments?
Yes — all four of our hotels offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and quiet residential-neighborhood environments. Lavender Inn and Inn by the Harbor are particularly well-suited for guests needing peaceful evenings for writing and preparation. Best Western Plus offers the convenience of the on-site Live Oak Café for all-day dining.
- When does AUSB hold graduation ceremonies?
AUSB holds commencement ceremonies annually, typically in spring. For specific dates for each academic year, we recommend checking AUSB's official academic calendar at antioch.edu/santa-barbara. We suggest booking hotel rooms as early as possible once graduation dates are confirmed, as spring weekends in Santa Barbara fill quickly.
- Does AUSB offer intensive or weekend program formats?
Yes — AUSB is designed to serve working adult learners and offers many programs in formats that include weekend intensives, evening classes, and hybrid formats. Visiting students who travel from other cities for intensive periods will find our hotels ideally suited: centrally located, comfortable, and equipped with all-day dining options nearby.
- Are extended stay options available for AUSB students on residency programs?
Yes. Inn by the Harbor and Best Western Plus Santa Barbara offer suites with fully equipped kitchens, making them ideal for AUSB students or faculty on extended stays. Contact us to discuss extended stay rates for visits of one week or longer.
- What makes Santa Barbara a good fit for an Antioch education?
Santa Barbara is a city deeply aligned with Antioch's values — a strong arts community, robust environmental consciousness, civic engagement, and a genuine commitment to social purpose. AUSB students become part of Santa Barbara's cultural and intellectual life, and the city's walkable, human-scaled downtown makes that integration natural. Our hotels put you right at the heart of it.