University of California-Santa Cruz: 46.9% Acceptance Rate

46.9%Acceptance

$14,560Tuition

17,812Students

75%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$68,396Earnings

#19 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of California-Santa Cruz

The banana slug mascot perfectly captures UC Santa Cruz's unconventional spirit. This public research university enrolls 17,812 students on a stunning redwood-covered campus that feels more like a forest retreat than a traditional college. The school pioneered narrative evaluations alongside letter grades, reflecting its commitment to alternative education approaches. Environmental programs thrive here, with students studying sustainability among towering trees. Notable graduates include SNL's Andy Samberg and musician Huey Lewis, who embody the creative energy that flows through campus.

Students pay an average net price of $16,607, making this UC campus surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $68,396 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of just $16,666. The monthly loan payment of $177 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Financial aid reaches 31.75% of students, with families earning under $30,000 paying only $9,472 annually.

The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace, with 89.67% of students returning for sophomore year. A 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but the intimate campus culture compensates. Nearly 94% of students come from California, creating a distinctly Golden State vibe. The 74.98% loan repayment rate suggests graduates successfully navigate post-college finances.

Academics & Faculty

UC Santa Cruz operates as a public research university where students navigate academics through a distinctive quarter system and modern evaluation methods. The campus blends traditional grades with narrative evaluations that provide detailed feedback on student progress. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, undergraduates often find themselves in larger classes typical of major research institutions. The university has built its academic reputation around environmental studies and sustainability programs, taking advantage of its redwood forest setting. Computer science and psychology also draw significant enrollment. Students achieve a 75.71% four-year graduation rate, though the alternative academic culture means some take longer to complete degrees while exploring interdisciplinary studies and research opportunities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 84.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 75.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 74.5%
Retention Rate: 89.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $68,396
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$79,150
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$69,338
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$63,530
Economics.	Master	$61,516
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Bachelor	$60,185
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research.	Master	$54,894
Business/Managerial Economics.	Bachelor	$51,607
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.	Bachelor	$48,823
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Bachelor	$47,260
Economics.	Bachelor	$44,356

View all 134 programs →

Campus Life

The redwood forest campus sits about 75 miles south of San Francisco, where students bike between classes under towering trees. With housing capacity for 9,524 students and total enrollment of 17,812, roughly half live on campus in residential colleges that shape the social experience. The mild coastal climate means you'll need a light jacket more often than heavy winter gear, though morning fog is common.

Students embrace the unconventional culture that made the Banana Slugs a beloved mascot choice. Weekends often involve hiking in nearby state parks, visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or attending events at the campus's numerous cooperative houses. The quarter system with its 22:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intense academic pace. Many students appreciate the narrative evaluation system that supplements traditional grades with detailed written feedback. The 89.67% retention rate reflects students who connect with this alternative approach to education, where environmental activism and creative expression thrive alongside rigorous academics in programs ranging from marine biology to game design.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 9,524 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

194 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	31	29	2	0
Rape	24	21	2	1
Stalking	20	9	1	0
Fondling	13	13	1	0
Burglary	6	3	1	0
Aggravated Assault	8	1	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0	0	0
Dating Violence	1	1	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0
Incest	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–62°F
July Avg: 54°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 30.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students from across California flock to UC Santa Cruz, with 94% coming from in-state. The campus draws a diverse mix, with Hispanic and Asian students each making up about a quarter of enrollment. About one-third receive Pell Grants, reflecting the UC system's commitment to affordability. The student body mirrors Santa Cruz's progressive environmental values, attracting those drawn to the school's alternative grading system and sustainability focus. Students here tend to be California natives seeking an unconventional university experience within the strong UC system.

Men: 48.4%
Women: 51.6%
White: 30.8%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 28.5%
Asian: 24.7%
In-State Students: 93.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.8%

Location

Santa Cruz sits on California's central coast, about 75 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles southwest of San Jose. The university overlooks Monterey Bay from its forested campus in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Nearly 94% of students come from in-state, drawn to this coastal college town known for its redwood groves, surf culture, and progressive atmosphere. The campus spans 2,000 acres of rolling hills and forests, creating a unique educational environment where students attend classes among towering redwoods. Downtown Santa Cruz offers beaches, the famous boardwalk, and a active arts scene that complements the university's alternative academic culture. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Santa Cruz with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Cruz, California 95064-1011

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $68,396
Median Earnings (5 years): $64,162
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $177/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,666

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?

UC Santa Cruz accepts 46.92% of applicants, making it moderately selective among UC campuses. The school is known for its alternative academic culture that includes narrative evaluations alongside traditional grades. With 89.67% of students returning for their second year, most who enroll find the unconventional approach suits them well.

How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $16,607 annually, with significant variation based on family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,472 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $32,674. About 31.75% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic diversity.

What academic programs is University of California-Santa Cruz known for?

The university is well-known for its environmental programs, taking advantage of its redwood forest campus setting. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at liberal arts colleges. The school maintains its reputation for modern academics while operating on a quarter system that allows for intensive, focused coursework.

What do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $68,396 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes showing a 91.5% employment rate. The typical monthly loan payment is $177, reflecting the median debt of $16,666. Notable alumni include comedian Andy Samberg and musician Huey Lewis, showcasing the school's strength in creative fields.

Where do University of California-Santa Cruz students live and what is campus life like?

The campus houses 9,524 students among towering redwood trees, creating a unique natural setting for college life. With 93.94% of students coming from in-state, the community has a distinctly Californian character. The school competes in NCAA Division III with 13 varsity sports and 308 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and environmental activism.

Is University of California-Santa Cruz really known as the Banana Slugs?

Yes, UC Santa Cruz proudly embraces the Banana Slug as its mascot, reflecting the school's unconventional and environmentally conscious identity. The slug represents the campus's commitment to being different from traditional universities, much like their narrative evaluation system. This quirky mascot has become a beloved symbol that perfectly captures the school's alternative spirit and connection to its natural redwood forest setting.