UC Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz at a Glance
UC Santa Cruz Overview
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% |
UC Santa Cruz Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at UC Santa Cruz?
UC Santa Cruz has 9,524 on-campus beds for 18,997 undergrads — that's enough for about 50% of the undergraduate population. Housing is limited. Many students live off campus after freshman year.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
UC Santa Cruz Campus & Location
UC Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, CA — classified as City: Small. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
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
How to Get Into UC Santa Cruz
UCSC is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — UCSC still offers strong programs and outcomes.
What UC Santa Cruz Values Most 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 |
UC Santa Cruz Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC Santa Cruz UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
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.