I agree with @SoCalEsq in that I wouldn’t read anything into USNWR rankings. They are measuring things (ex. social mobility) that might not matter to your daughter.
I am a UCSB alum and I also would not use the word “tailgate” to describe the parties in Isla Vista. Google “Deltopia” or “Isla Vista parties” and you’ll see that it is more of a house/block party type of scene.
UCSB is 20+ minutes north of Santa Barbara which is not what I would consider a “major city” compared to Boston. Isla Vista is 99% college students with an average age of 21 years old - again, not a big urban campus.
I joke that UCSB invented the five year plan. If you aren’t ready for the real world, double major or pick up a minor and spend another year in paradise. If your daughter changes majors or picks up a minor, she could be there for more than 4 years. If money is a concern, I would let her know in advance that you are willing to pay for 4 years max.
The Greek scene at UCSB has grown a lot since the 80s. According to the school, approximately 11% (2500) of UCSB students are involved in UCSB Greek life.