gradeB+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?Data Sources
Academics
gradeB+
Value
gradeB
Diversity
gradeA
Campus
gradeB
Athletics
gradeC
Party Scene
gradeB
Professors
gradeA
Location
gradeB+
Dorms
gradeD minus
Campus Food
gradeC
Student Life
gradeB minus
Safety
gradeC+
editorial
UC Santa Cruz is an above-average public university located in Santa Cruz, California. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 16,728 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the UC Santa Cruz acceptance rate is 47%. Popular majors include Computer Science, Psychology, and Cellular Biology. Graduating 77% of students, UC Santa Cruz alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $33,800.
About
About UC Santa Cruz...
- Hispanic-Serving Institution
- Public College
- SAT/ACT Optional
Athletic Division
NCAA Division III (without football)
Athletic Conference
Division III Independents
Compare to Other Colleges
- California
- Santa Cruz
University of California - Santa Cruz Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
See All University of California - Santa Cruz Rankings
UCSC Admissions
Acceptance Rate
47%
Application Deadline
Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
November 30
SAT Range
No data available —
ACT Range
No data available —
Application Fee
$80
SAT/ACT
Neither required nor recommended
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No
Application Website
Students also applied to ...
gradeA
University of California - Davis
gradeA+
University of California - San Diego
gradeA+
University of California - Santa Barbara
gradeA+
University of California - Irvine
gradeB
San Francisco State University
gradeA+
University of California - Berkeley
gradeB
San José State University
gradeA minus
San Diego State University
More
Read More About Admissions
Will You Get Into UCSC?
Test Scores and High School GPA for University of California - Santa Cruz See Other Colleges
Cost
Net Price
$17,975/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$21,202/ year
National
$7,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
74%
Find Private Student Loans
Find College Scholarships
Find college scholarships
Academics
Professors
gradeA
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
20:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
71%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.258 responses
32%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.300 responses
52%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.299 responses
Read More About Academics
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Computer Science
670 Graduates
Psychology
510 Graduates
Cellular Biology
297 Graduates
Managerial Economics
291 Graduates
Sociology
261 Graduates
Environmental Science
208 Graduates
Political Science and Government
196 Graduates
Cinematography and Video Production
177 Graduates
Anthropology
161 Graduates
Economics
154 Graduates
More
See All Majors
Online
Programs Offered Entirely Online
Total number of complete undergraduate programs offered online or through distance learning.
Offers Online Courses
College offers distance education courses.
Yes
Online Certificate Programs
Total number of certificate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Associates Programs
Total number of associate degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Online Bachelor's Programs
Total number of bachelor's degree programs offered online or through distance education.
Explore All Online Majors
How Students Learn
Based on class setting of student enrollment.
Mix of Online and on Campus
23%
On Campus
77%
Online
1%
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
16,728Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
774
Undergrads Over 25
4%
Pell Grant
33%
Varsity Athletes
2%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on
227 responses
Chill
25%
Friendly
22%
Diverse
19%
A Slug
13%
Weird
7%
Unique
7%
Hardworker
2%
More
Read More About the Students
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
No data available —
Poll
49%
of students say Greek life is pretty low-key and has little effect on the social scene.364 responses
Poll
49%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.407 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on
223 responses
Beautiful campus, collaborative environment
27%
Nice, fun, and easy going!
17%
Friendly
11%
Beautiful campus,progressive,friendly environment
10%
Unique
9%
City on a Hill
5%
People are Crazy, Professors are just OK
5%
More
Read More About Campus Life
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$46,900/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
77%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
91%
National
83%
64%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.171 responses
Read More About Life After Graduation
Similar Colleges
Colleges like University of California - Santa Cruz
gradeA
University of California - Davis
- 4 Year
- DAVIS, CA
Rating 3.9 out of 5 5,631 reviews
gradeA+
University of California - San Diego
- 4 Year
- LA JOLLA, CA
Rating 3.64 out of 5 3,995 reviews
gradeA+
University of California - Santa Barbara
- 4 Year
- SANTA BARBARA, CA
Rating 3.85 out of 5 4,732 reviews
gradeA+
University of California - Irvine
- 4 Year
- IRVINE, CA
Rating 3.77 out of 5 4,279 reviews
University of California - Santa Cruz Reviews
Rating 3.55 out of 5 4,054 reviews
Rating 2 out of 5
I mostly regret coming here. Two stars are ONLY for the campus beauty, wildlife, location and the amazing professors/instructors. Most professors are geniuses and have an evident passion for teaching. As the students, many are also victims of UCSCs money-hungry desires. TEN percent of our student body is HOMELESS! The city itself is an extreme housing crisis and the Uni only guarantees (crazy expensive) housing for ONE year. Saving money is above student safety. An incredible bus driver DIED due to neglected bus maintenance on the schools 35yr. old fleet of Loop busses ($174/quarter fee). The bus system overall is horrendous. Dorms are tiny, old and come with black mold. Dining is mediocre, cafes are outrageously priced. They do NOT care about SA victims, they blame them. The wifi goes out at least once a day. Okayish diversity. Most students are incredibly depressed. There's more, don't be fooled, do your research! Thank you to the professors, turkeys, and deer that made it worth it<3
- Senior
- a month ago
Rating 5 out of 5
UC Santa Cruz has provided many opportunities and a life long experience that I wouldn't change for anything. The only thing concerning about this University is that priority housing is only mandatory for freshman, however you can still apply second year for a dorm or on campus apartment in which is a lottery system and completely random. Other then the limited availability on housing for second year and continuing students the campus overall is something I would not trade for anything. The campus life is amazing as you meet many students from all walks of life and the level of respect many of the students have for one another makes it a very comfortable and enjoyable place to attend. In addition the campus has many resources that can help in terms or aid to pay for college are even help you academically. In addition to all the resources the campus has to offer UC Santa Cruz is located near the coast so there are numerous beaches and local shops that are fun to explore and go to!
- Freshman
- 2 months ago
Rating 4 out of 5
This school has a beautiful campus perfect for nature-lovers and hikers. Santa Cruz itself is a vibrant beach community with a lot to do, although there is not much nightlife. Most of the professors I've had are passionate about their jobs and subject areas and are very helpful and supportive. Some cons: housing is hard to get and is very expensive, and the food at the dining halls are subpar. Overall, I've had a great experience here and I'm glad I chose this school!
- Junior
- 26 days ago
