University of California-Santa Cruz

At a glance

Admission rate

66%

Undergraduates

17,940

Setting

City: Small

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test blind Scores aren't considered, even if sent.

UC Santa Cruz does not use ACT/SAT scores in its comprehensive review and selection process, and does not consider them for admission or scholarships (applies to the current fall 2027 UC application). The same applies to international applicants, who must meet English proficiency and a 3.40 nonresident GPA minimum. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: admissions.ucsc.edu

Admissions

Accepts

UC Application$80 per UC campus; $95 for international and non-immigrant applicants (UC Admissions).

Application fee

$80

Phone

(831) 459-0111

Source: School's page (admission.universityofcalifornia.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition, in-state

$16,585per year

Tuition, out-of-state

$54,187per year

Average net price

$18,549What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

74%

First-year retention

88%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$73,362

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: bachelor, master, doctoral

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study