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University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

Acceptance rate66%
Institution typeUniversity
Application fee$80
In-state Tuition$11,442
Out-of-state Tuition$39,270
Avg. Cost after Aid$20,000

About University of California - Santa Cruz

A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

With a long-standing history, University of California - Santa Cruz is a university serving students in Santa Cruz, California. With a tradition of academic excellence, University of California - Santa Cruz prepares graduates for success in a wide range of fields.

A Diverse Community in Santa Cruz

Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. Campus housing options foster community and connection among students. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.

Commitment to Access and Affordability

University of California - Santa Cruz is committed to making education accessible through financial aid and scholarships. 54%% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $27,887. The average net cost after aid is $20,000, making University of California - Santa Cruz an attainable goal for students from all backgrounds.

Research That Shapes the World

University of California - Santa Cruz emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.

Outcomes for University of California - Santa Cruz students

Graduation rate (within 6 years)75%
Graduation rate (within 4 years)61%
First-year retention rate90%
Median earnings 8 years after enrolling$59,302
Median debt at graduation$19,620

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Students at University of California - Santa Cruz

Total enrollment19,938
Undergraduate students17,940
Graduate students1,998
International students3%
First-generation students37%

What you can study at University of California - Santa Cruz

90 programs, most of them in these fields:

  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences (13)

    Behavioral Neuroscience, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, and more

  • Foreign Languages (8)

    Applied Linguistics, Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General, Foreign Languages and Literatures, General, and more

  • Visual and Performing Arts (8)

    Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects, Art History, Criticism and Conservation, Art/Art Studies, General, and more

  • Social Sciences (7)

    Anthropology, General, Archeology, Economics, General, and more

  • Computer Information Sciences (6)

    Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Computer Science, and more

  • Education (6)

    Education/Teaching of Individuals in Junior High/Middle School Special Education Programs, Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching, Physics Teacher Education, and more

  • Area Ethnic Cultural Gender Group Studies (5)

    American/United States Studies/Civilization, Ethnic Studies, Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies, and more

  • Communication Journalism (5)

    Communication, General, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Journalism, and more

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