University of California-Santa Cruz
About University of California-Santa Cruz
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UC Santa Cruz is a public research university in Santa Cruz, California, in a redwood forest overlooking Monterey Bay. It is known for its programs in astronomy, marine biology, computer science, and environmental studies.
Founded
1965
Location
Santa Cruz, California
Students
19,938
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
65.8%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
75.1%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$16,005
Out-of-state: $50,205
Avg Net Price
$17,890
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$68,396
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
65.8 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
With a 65.8% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Cruz admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
75.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
88%
4-Year Grad
60%
6-Year Grad
78%
Teaching Quality
23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
84.9%
$/Student
$13.6K
Class Size
Large
While 60% finish in 4 years, 88% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$16,005
In-State
$50,205
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,948
Books & Supplies
$1,192
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,179
After Financial Aid
$17,890
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,717
Receive Grants
31.6%
Take Loans
28.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $41,179/yr for in-state students, including $19,948 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,890. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $50,205.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of California-Santa Cruz fund their education.
While in School
31.6%
Get Grants
Free money
28.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$42,014
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$16,666
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$177/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 28.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $16,666. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of California-Santa Cruz.
Gender
52.8%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,940
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,998
Graduates
36.7%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 36.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
17,940
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Redwood forest campus is unlike any other
- +Santa Cruz beach culture and surf lifestyle
- +Strong programs in marine biology and astronomy
- +Progressive, creative campus culture
Cons
- -Isolated hilltop campus far from everything
- -Limited public transit in and out of campus
- -Housing is scarce and expensive in Santa Cruz
- -Reputation as a party school persists
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of California-Santa Cruz fields 7 varsity teams with 446 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Independent
Plays in no conference
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
446
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
227
Men
219
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of California-Santa Cruzearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$68,396
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$75K
658 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
499 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Managerial Economics
$52K
280 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$38K
215 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$28K
192 grads
1yr Earnings
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
$45K
178 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $50K at six years, $45K at eight, and $68K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of California-Santa Cruz
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?▾
How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?▾
How much do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.