University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA · Public
*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →
What is University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate?
Up 15.2 percentage points since 2018
With a 62.5% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Cruz is considered moderately selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.
How many students apply to University of California-Santa Cruz?
University of California-Santa Cruz received 68,845 applications in 2023, up 22% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.
How many admitted students enroll?
The yield rate of 10% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.
What are the most popular majors at University of California-Santa Cruz?
Computer Science leads as the most popular major at University of California-Santa Cruz. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.
How have majors changed over time?
Degrees awarded by major, 2015–2024
How has tuition changed at University of California-Santa Cruz?
Out-of-state tuition has increased by 21% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 22% from $51,155 to $62,645.
How much do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn by major?
Graduates in Computer Engineering earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $79,150 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.
Median two years after graduating, for graduates of each program — not the same measure as the headline earnings figure above, which covers everyone who enrolled, ten years after starting. Source: College Scorecard field-of-study file, June 2026.
What do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates actually earn?
The median tells one story, but outcomes vary widely. Here's the full range of earnings 10 years after enrollment for graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz.
Earnings range for graduates 10 years after enrollment. The green bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile). Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release.
How do University of California-Santa Cruz earnings grow over time?
Median earnings from 1 year after completion through 11 years after enrollment. Early-career earnings show what graduates earn soon after graduating, while later years reflect career growth and advancement.
Do University of California-Santa Cruz earnings vary by family income?
Median earnings of graduates grouped by their family income when they enrolled. Research shows family income can influence post-graduation outcomes through networking, unpaid internship access, and career choice flexibility.
Gender earnings gap at University of California-Santa Cruz
Median earnings comparison between male and female graduates. The gap reflects differences in major choice, industry, and broader labor market patterns — not necessarily pay discrimination for the same role.
University of California-Santa Cruz Admissions Statistics (2015–2023)
Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.
| Year | Applicants | Admitted | Rate | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 68,845 | 43,054 | 62.5% | 10.2% |
| 2022 | 65,912 | 30,926 | 46.9% | 12.5% |
| 2021 | 61,695 | 36,177 | 58.6% | 11.6% |
| 2020 | 54,988 | 35,591 | 64.7% | 11.8% |
| 2019 | 55,796 | 28,629 | 51.3% | 13.0% |
| 2018 | 56,586 | 26,803 | 47.4% | 13.8% |
| 2017 | 52,969 | 26,984 | 50.9% | 15.0% |
| 2016 | 49,181 | 28,452 | 57.9% | 14.8% |
| 2015 | 45,532 | 22,897 | 50.3% | 15.8% |
Is University of California-Santa Cruz worth it?
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What do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn?
Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $10,900 while the top 10% earn $90,100. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.
How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
The total cost of attendance at University of California-Santa Cruz is approximately $62,645 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.
What You'll Actually Pay
Net price is what aided families paid after grants and scholarships, averaged within each income band. Your own cost depends on income, assets and the school's aid policies, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families because of generous institutional aid.
These averages cover only students who received federal financial aid — a Pell Grant, a federal loan or work-study. Families who pay their own way are not included, so the higher brackets understate what a full-paying family is billed. The "no aid" row is the published cost of attendance.
What are the top majors?
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Business/Managerial Economics
- 4 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- 5 Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Which majors pay the most?
- Computer Engineering $79,150
- Computer Science $63,530
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,338
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering $48,823
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $60,185
Who attends University of California-Santa Cruz?
University of California-Santa Cruz enrolls 19,764 students, with 6% from outside the United States. Women make up 51% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.
How much financial aid is available?
62% of students receive some form of financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz. About 32% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.
How much do professors earn?
Faculty salaries at University of California-Santa Cruz are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.
What schools are similar to University of California-Santa Cruz?
Page updated 2026. Admissions and cost figures are the latest IPEDS release (2023); earnings are College Scorecard median 10-year post-enrollment, June 2026 release. Sources: IPEDS, College Scorecard.