University of California-Santa Cruz
Campus Identity
University of California-Santa Cruz is a large public university in Santa Cruz, CA. Approximately 17,940 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 66% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 2 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
University of California-Santa Cruz is a large public university in Santa Cruz, CA. Approximately 17,940 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 66% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 2 miles from the ocean. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 43/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Athletics
NCAA D3
Coast-To-Coast Athletic
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Urban setting
Beach Access
2 miles
Santa Cruz Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
57°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
California
California
California
Beach Town
Santa Cruz Beach, CA
Ocean access within 2.1 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Santa Cruz, CA
Station: SANTA CRUZ · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,442 | $41,196 |
| Fees | $2,628 | $2,628 |
| Room & Board | $19,948 | $19,948 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $34,018 | $63,772 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFrequently Asked Questions
Where is University of California-Santa Cruz located?
University of California-Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, CA. The main campus address is 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?
University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%, making it moderately selective. Out of 71,722 applicants, 47,186 were admitted in the most recent year. 17,940 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Cruz?
For the 2023–24 academic year, University of California-Santa Cruz charges $11,442/year for in-state students and $41,196/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($19,948/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $63,772/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use University of California-Santa Cruz's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for University of California-Santa Cruz?
The undergraduate application fee at University of California-Santa Cruz is $80. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does University of California-Santa Cruz have college sports?
Yes — University of California-Santa Cruz competes at the NCAA D3 level in the Coast-To-Coast Athletic. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is University of California-Santa Cruz the right fit for me?
Whether University of California-Santa Cruz is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (66% admit rate), cost ($41,196/year out-of-state), campus culture in Santa Cruz, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh University of California-Santa Cruz against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with University of California-Santa Cruz directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- Coast-To-Coast Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 57°F avg
- App Fee
- $80
- On Campus Safety Score
- 43/100
- Nearest Airport
- San Jose, CA (SJC) · 26 mialso NUQ (29 mi), MRY (31 mi)
Location
Santa Cruz, CA