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University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California — 1156 High St, 95064-1011

Annual Tuition $14,560
Enrollment 17,812
Acceptance Rate 62.5%
Median Salary $68,396

University of California-Santa Cruz is a leading Public institution located in Santa Cruz, California. Established to provide high-quality education, University of California-Santa Cruz offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

University of California-Santa Cruz Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Santa Cruz, California
Type Public
Total Enrollment 17,812 students
Median Salary $68,396

University of California-Santa Cruz — Institution Overview

Institution Name University of California-Santa Cruz
Location Santa Cruz, California
Official Website https://www.ucsc.edu/
Address 1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011
Institution Type Public
Total Students 17,812

University of California-Santa Cruz Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 62.5% Moderately Open
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

University of California-Santa Cruz Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $14,560
Out-of-State Tuition $45,337
Pell Grant Rate 31.8%
Median Debt (Completers) $16,666

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

University of California-Santa Cruz cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $9,472/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $10,114/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $13,001/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $18,786/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $9,472 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from University of California-Santa Cruz, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer Engineering. salary after University of California-Santa Cruz

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $79,150 median/yr
Median debt $23,392 at graduation
Salary/debt 338% ROI ratio
1yr: $79,969 4yr: $118,191
2

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. salary after University of California-Santa Cruz

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $69,338 median/yr
Median debt $17,048 at graduation
Salary/debt 407% ROI ratio
1yr: $78,842 4yr: $99,815
3

Computer Science. salary after University of California-Santa Cruz

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $63,530 median/yr
Median debt $16,666 at graduation
Salary/debt 381% ROI ratio
1yr: $75,150 4yr: $101,953

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

University of California-Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

62.5% Moderately Open

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 17,812
Undergrad 15,860
Retention Rate 89.7% full-time
Full-Time Students 96.7%

Courses and Academic Programs at University of California-Santa Cruz

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Computer Science.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,337
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,024
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences.
Bachelor's
Graduates 638
Business/Managerial Economics.
Bachelor's
Graduates 599
Sociology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 512
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Bachelor's
Graduates 454
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 449
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 411
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Bachelor's
Graduates 388
Political Science and Government.
Bachelor's
Graduates 359
Showing top 10 of 114 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at University of California-Santa Cruz

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $68,396 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $49,716
Graduation Rate 74.5% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — University of California-Santa Cruz
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $49,716
10 Years After Entry $68,396
Is University of California-Santa Cruz Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $16,607
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $68,396
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 552700%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at University of California-Santa Cruz

Total Students 17,812
Undergrad 15,860
Graduate 1,952
Retention Rate 89.7% full-time

Gender Breakdown

51.6%
48.4%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 96.7%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
30.8%
Hispanic
28.5%
Asian
24.7%
Two or More Races
8.5%
International
3.1%
Unknown / Unreported
2.3%
Black
2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 36.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 67.1%
💍
Married Students 1.1%
📅
Students Age 25+ 3.6%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 68%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $78,075
Average Family Income $61,406
Median Family Income $42,014

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.6%
48.4%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 31.8% of students
Federal Loan Rate 29.4% of students
Avg Net Price $16,607 after aid
Median Debt $16,666 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $16,666
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $8,900
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $25,512

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact University of California-Santa Cruz's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

University of California-Santa Cruz Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.5%
Median Graduate Salary $68,396
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms University of California-Santa Cruz meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for University of California-Santa Cruz

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 62.5%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at University of California-Santa Cruz?

Tuition at University of California-Santa Cruz is $14,560 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz?

Graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz earn a median salary of $68,396 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is University of California-Santa Cruz located?

University of California-Santa Cruz is located at 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064-1011. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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