University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA
PublicUrbanHSIWebsite
Acceptance Rate
63%
Enrollment
17,812
Graduation Rate
74%
Student-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$68,396
Retention Rate
90%

Admissions

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Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,560
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,337
Avg Net Price
$16,607
Room & Board
$18,785
Total COA
$38,649
Median Debt
$16,666

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30,000
$9,472
$30,001–48,000
$10,114
$48,001–75,000
$13,001
$75,001–110,000
$18,786
$110,001+
$32,674
Pell Grant Rate: 32%
Federal Loan Rate: 29%

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Net Price Estimator

Estimate your actual cost after financial aid based on family income. Residency affects tuition at public universities.

Sticker Price$64,122
Estimated Net Price$16,607 (avg)

This is a rough estimate based on published IPEDS data. Actual aid depends on your full financial profile, merit scholarships, and institutional policies.

University of California-Santa Cruz's Official Net Price Calculator

Outcomes

Graduation Rate
74%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$68,396
Retention Rate
90%
Median Debt
$16,666

Top Programs

Computer Science
16.5%
Biology
15.7%
Social Sciences
11.6%
Psychology
9.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
9.5%
Business & Marketing
6.2%
Physical Sciences
5.2%
Natural Resources
3.5%
Foreign Languages
3.5%
Engineering
3.4%

Top Majors

MajorGraduatesEarnings (4yr)
Computer Science667$101,953
Psychology, General514$48,247
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences341$60,883
Business/Managerial Economics308$78,567
Sociology251$47,904
Natural Resources Conservation and Research246$49,828
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services233$38,878
Film/Video and Photographic Arts211$34,586
Biology, General207$52,707
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies165$49,977
Economics165$73,904
Political Science and Government163$53,304
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology160$35,013
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)155$49,862
Fine and Studio Arts153$33,474

Demographics

Men 48%Women 52%
White
30.8%
Black
1.9%
Hispanic
28.5%
Asian
24.6%
Two or More
8.5%
International
3.1%

Application Info

Deadlines

ED2025-11-01
EA2025-11-01
RD2026-01-01
0 required essays, 8 optional
Optional350 words

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

Optional350 words

Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

Optional350 words

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

Optional350 words

Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Optional350 words

Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Optional350 words

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Optional350 words

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

Optional350 words

Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?

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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Last updated January 2026.