University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · 17,940 undergraduates

University of California-Santa Cruz admitted 66% of applicants. Its average net price after aid for in-state students was $18,549 a year. Within six years, 74% of first-time, full-time students graduated.

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Admissions

Admission rate
66%
SAT/ACT scores
Not required

Cost

In-state cost of attendance, before aid
$43,867 a year
Average in-state net price after aid
$18,549 a year
In-state net price for families earning under $30,000
$9,973 a year
In-state tuition and fees
$16,585 a year
Out-of-state tuition and fees
$54,187 a year

Outcomes

Graduation rate (within 6 years)
74%
Students who return for a second year
88%
Median earnings 10 years after starting
$73,362 a year
Median debt at graduation
$15,000

Students

Undergraduates
17,940
Undergraduates with a Pell Grant
34%
Student-faculty ratio
22 to 1
Campus setting
City

Most common fields of study

Share of the degrees the college awarded, by field.

Computer and information sciences
17%
Multi/interdisciplinary studies
16%
Biological and biomedical sciences
14%
Social sciences
9%
Visual and performing arts
6%

Colleges with similar selectivity

Closest by admission rate and SAT scores.

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, most recent institution-level data (October 2026 release). Admission figures are reported by the college; check its website for current requirements.