UC Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate 2026: Your Real Chances by GPA
University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Official Website ↗
Data updated: 2026-04-28
62.5% acceptance · 21,109 students
UC Santa Cruz at a Glance
About UC Santa Cruz
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA with 21,109 students. With a 62.5% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences.
| Full Name | University of California-Santa Cruz |
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucsc.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 21,109 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 18,997 |
| Female Students | 49.7% |
Is UC Santa Cruz a Reach, Match, or Safety?
UC Santa Cruz accepts 62.5% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
| Your Profile | UC Santa Cruz Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Meet academic requirements | Safety | Strong odds — apply with confidence |
| Slightly below average | Match | Apply — still realistic |
UC Santa Cruz True Cost by Family Income
32% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UCSC enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total | vs Sticker Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $5,800 | $23,200 | -88% |
| $30-48k | $7,200 | $28,800 | -84% |
| $48-75k | $11,200 | $44,800 | -76% |
| $75-110k | $16,400 | $65,600 | -65% |
| $110k+ | $29,200 | $116,800 | -37% |
UC Santa Cruz Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | UC Santa Cruz Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | — | $78,750 | $75,000 | +5% |
| Engineering | — | $75,600 | $72,000 | +5% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $65,100 | $62,000 | +5% |
| Business | — | $57,750 | $55,000 | +5% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $50,400 | $48,000 | +5% |
| Social Sciences | — | $47,250 | $45,000 | +5% |
| Legal Professions | — | $47,250 | $45,000 | +5% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $44,100 | $42,000 | +5% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $44,100 | $42,000 | +5% |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources | — | $44,100 | $42,000 | +5% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $42,000 | $40,000 | +5% |
| History | — | $42,000 | $40,000 | +5% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $39,900 | $38,000 | +5% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $39,900 | $38,000 | +5% |
| Education | — | $39,900 | $38,000 | +5% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $39,900 | $38,000 | +5% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $39,900 | $38,000 | +5% |
| Psychology | — | $37,800 | $36,000 | +5% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $35,700 | $34,000 | +5% |
Popular Majors at UC Santa Cruz
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
What UC Santa Cruz Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Class Rank | ★★★ Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | ★★★ Considered |
| Application Essay | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| Recommendation | ★★ Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | ★★★★ Important |
| Talent Ability | ★★★★ Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | ★★★★★ Very Important |
| First Generation | ★★★★ Important |
| Alumni Relation | ★★ Not Considered |
| Interview | ★★ Not Considered |
| Work Experience | ★★★ Considered |
| Volunteer Work | ★★★ Considered |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Santa Cruz
More About UC Santa Cruz
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Santa Cruz is not affiliated with DeepColleges.