University of California-Santa Cruz
Public university · Santa Cruz, CA · 17,940 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
66%
Moderately selective
SAT (middle 50%)
—
ACT (middle 50%)
—
Average net price
$18,549
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$43,867
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
74%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into University of California-Santa Cruz?
University of California-Santa Cruz accepts about 66 of every 100 applicants (66%), which makes it moderately selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The latest federal data says University of California-Santa Cruz is test-blind (SAT and ACT scores aren’t considered), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on University of California-Santa Cruz's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $43,867 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $18,549 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $16,585 for CA residents and $54,187 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$16,585
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$54,187
- Room & board$20,929
- Total cost of attendance$43,867
- Average net price after grants$18,549
Popular majors
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Biology, Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts.
University of California-Santa Cruz FAQ
- What is University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate?
- 66% — moderately selective.
- Is University of California-Santa Cruz test-optional?
- The latest federal data says University of California-Santa Cruz is test-blind (SAT and ACT scores aren’t considered), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on University of California-Santa Cruz's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
- About $43,867 a year before aid; $18,549 on average after grants.
- What is University of California-Santa Cruz's FAFSA school code?
- 001321. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so University of California-Santa Cruz receives your information.
- What is University of California-Santa Cruz's graduation rate?
- 74% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to University of California-Santa Cruz
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University-IrvineIrvine, CA | 66% | — | $29,761 | 47% |
| Chapman UniversityOrange, CA | 65% | 1260–1440 | $46,708 | 83% |
| Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno, CA | 64% | — | $17,491 | 49% |
| Menlo CollegeAtherton, CA | 68% | — | $32,324 | 52% |
| Pepperdine UniversityMalibu, CA | 63% | 1290–1450 | $48,065 | 78% |
| Vanguard University of Southern CaliforniaCosta Mesa, CA | 62% | — | $23,231 | 55% |