University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz has a 62.5% acceptance rate. University of California-Santa Cruz is a public 4-year institution in Santa Cruz, CA. The average net price is $17,890 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Student Outcomes

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of California-Santa Cruz:

Family Income	Avg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000	$8,717
$30,001 – $48,000	$10,613
$48,001 – $75,000	$14,418
$75,001 – $110,000	$18,986
$110,000+	$33,323

Top Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

Major	Degrees Awarded
Computer & Information Sciences	758
Biological & Biomedical Sciences	695
Social Sciences	475
Visual & Performing Arts	469
Psychology	448
Business, Management & Marketing	304
Physical Sciences	226
Engineering	207
Foreign Languages & Linguistics	181
Natural Resources & Conservation	159

Financial Aid at University of California-Santa Cruz

• 71.0% of students receive some form of financial aid
• Average grant/scholarship: $21,564 per year
• Average net price (all students): $17,890 per year

About University of California-Santa Cruz

• Type: Public 4-year
• Location: Santa Cruz, CA
• Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
• Yield Rate: 900.0%

Official website: https://www.ucsc.edu/

Admissions: https://admissions.ucsc.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Santa Cruz

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?

University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 62%. it received about 68,845 applications in a recent year; the average net price is $17,890 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of California-Santa Cruz for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of California-Santa Cruz?

Getting into University of California-Santa Cruz is moderately selective — it admits 62% of applicants. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of California-Santa Cruz for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Cruz?

The average net price at University of California-Santa Cruz is $17,890 per year after grants and scholarships. about 71% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $21,564 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?

University of California-Santa Cruz has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 88%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of California-Santa Cruz against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of California-Santa Cruz test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of California-Santa Cruz is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. With a 62% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of California-Santa Cruz's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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