University of California-Santa Cruz
University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 65.8%, an average net price of $18,549, and an overall rank of #346 (Grade B+). About 73.7% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $70,121 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Physics.
Academically, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, and 87.9% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 86.2%, roughly 36.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of California-Santa Cruz Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Santa Cruz graduates 73.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 79.4% and keeps 87.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Santa Cruz's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $25,318 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,585 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,256 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,929 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,227 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,867 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 34.3% of University of California-Santa Cruz students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,973 to $35,350 depending on family income. Use University of California-Santa Cruz's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,220/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $35,350/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $70,121
- 10-Year Median Earnings $73,362
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~21.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 75.0%
- Employment Rate 92.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Santa Cruz graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
University of California-Santa Cruz vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Santa Cruz's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Santa Cruz's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn $70,121 median five years after graduation, 14% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 17,940
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Retention Rate 87.9%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 73.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 79.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into University of California-Santa Cruz
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Santa Cruz requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 65.8%, University of California-Santa Cruz is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 65.8% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Cruz is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Santa Cruz undergraduates. Computer Science, Psychology, General, and Business/Managerial Economics draw the most students.
- Computer Science 13.4%
- Psychology, General 10.3%
- Business/Managerial Economics 5.7%
- Biology, General 4.4%
- Sociology 3.9%
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Stud 3.7%
See more majors
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences 3.7%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $135,036
- 2. Physics $131,315
- 3. Computer Science $130,271
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering $127,663
- 5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $119,939
- 6. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $106,787
- 7. Business/Managerial Economics $95,909
- 8. Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $84,474
- 9. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $84,254
- 10. Economics $81,051
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Economics (Master's Degree) $122,289
- 2. Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (Master's Degree) $75,442
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $135,036—67% more than Economics ($81,051). Graduate: Economics programs lead with $122,289 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for University of California-Santa Cruz. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 659 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 506 graduates)
- Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 281 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 218 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 193 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Psychology, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Economics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Design and Applied Arts
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Cognitive Science
- Anthropology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Physical Sciences, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Physics
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Applied Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Plant Sciences
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Biotechnology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Archeology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Area Studies
- Public Health
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
Online Master's Degrees (42 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Physics
- Human Computer Interaction
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Applied Mathematics
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Music
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Chemistry
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Statistics
- Sociology
- Computer Engineering
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Systems Engineering
- Social Sciences, Other
- Political Science and Government
- History
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Education, General
- Cognitive Science
- Anthropology
Online Doctoral Degrees (34 programs)▼
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- History
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sociology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Applied Mathematics
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Political Science and Government
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Systems Engineering
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Education, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 17,940
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Male Students 47.2%
- Female Students 52.8%
- Caucasian 30.6%
- Asian 24.3%
- Hispanic 28.6%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Santa Cruz's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Santa Cruz's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Santa Cruz support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Santa Cruz, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Santa Cruz has a diverse student body, with 30.6% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Santa Cruz support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Santa Cruz, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-Santa Cruz serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #346 overall with a 86.2% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,549 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $70,121 median earnings. The 73.7% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 87.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of California-Santa Cruz's Strengths
Ranked #346 with a B+ grade, University of California-Santa Cruz prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of California-Santa Cruz excel at providing affordable education ($18,549 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of California-Santa Cruz's 87.9% retention and 73.7% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($70,121 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of California-Santa Cruz's 86.2% ROI and $18,549 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 73.7% graduation rate sits 11.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.9% first-year retention is 11.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 86.2% return on investment is 36.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $70,121 run about 14% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $18,549 is roughly $1,332 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.3% employment rate within three years sits 24.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 34.3% trails the national share by 4.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university based in Santa Cruz, CA and earns a B+ overall grade. It appears at #346 in EDsmart's rankings Completion earns A-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
87.9% of learners come back after year one while 73.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (79.4% within eight years). The reported ROI is 86.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,549 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,867.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $25,318 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $70,121 five years after graduation. This is roughly 14% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 92.3% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 86.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
65.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Santa Cruz admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of California-Santa Cruz: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-santa-cruz/
MLA (9th): “University of California-Santa Cruz: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-santa-cruz/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of California-Santa Cruz: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-santa-cruz/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate?
University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate is 65.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
At University of California-Santa Cruz, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,549 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $43,867 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $16,585. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of California-Santa Cruz's ranking?
University of California-Santa Cruz ranks #346 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of California-Santa Cruz's graduation rate?
At University of California-Santa Cruz, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 73.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 79.4%, and first-year retention is 87.9%.
What are University of California-Santa Cruz's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz report median earnings of $70,121 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of California-Santa Cruz's student population?
University of California-Santa Cruz enrolls about 17,940 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011
- Website www.ucsc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$151.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.8%