Founded in 1965, University of California-Santa Cruz. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 16,962 full time undergraduate students, and 1,821 full time graduate students.
The University of California-Santa Cruz Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 591 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-Santa Cruz include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
57%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
70
SAT Range
1060-1290
ACT Range
25-30
Admissions at UCSC are considered Selective, with ,82% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 96% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-Santa Cruz.
273 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
250 Students rated off-campus housing 2.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
281 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
283 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
283 Students rated class size 3.4 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
281 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
282 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
284 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of California-Santa Cruz REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of California-Santa Cruz?
126 Students rated University of California-Santa Cruz
Amber
Prospective04/23/2025
The first thing that drew me into UC Santa Cruz was its magical campus. The school is in the redwood forest and a short distance away from the beach. Not only is the campus alluring, but the community is very like-minded to me. If you like a liberal, laid-back vibe, UCSC is a good school.
London
04/21/2025
The reason I chose UCSC is not only because of their excellent academics and opportunities, but also the culture. The people and community found in UCSC are something I never regretted. So inclusive, trying new things, and I wasn't afraid to meet new people. Besides the school, the area was so filled with new people and weird hidden gems in Santa Cruz. As someone who is also from the coast, Florida, I was pleasantly surprised by the cooler weather and the mystical culture. If you are someone who never fully fit in, weird, and a little quirky, this school is for you. the campus, the people, and the environment is perfect for a fellow banana slug. BEST DESCISION EVER.
Liliana
Prospective04/20/2025
UCSC is the most unique campus I have ever been to, and that's what drew me in. The school is a mile from the beach, nestled inside of a redwood forest. The STEM opportunities are extremely special, from the world class professors the school employs to the scientific excursions the school provides (for example, teaching biology majors to scuba dive). The campus culture is close, with relaxed sports programs and a plethora of clubs to choose from. However, the thing that made me choose UCSC was the realization that no one was afraid to be themselves. I saw students wearing wildly different fashions, who had wildly different perspectives, and wildly different plans for their future, and no one hid who they were. It was inspiring to see, and that is why I am a proud Banana Slug.
Leia
Prospective04/15/2025
Good location and undergraduate research opportunities. Only con is that it is extremely expensive
A.C.
Prospective04/01/2025
Its a good school, i just wish housing was more accessible to students.
Clarisse
09/17/2024
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is renowned for its stunning coastal campus and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. It offers a vibrant, progressive community with a commitment to research and social justice. UCSC’s unique colleges foster close-knit, supportive environments and encourage students to explore diverse academic and extracurricular interests. The university’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness complements its beautiful, redwood-studded setting. While UCSC’s location might be somewhat isolated, the natural beauty and innovative programs make it a distinctive choice for students seeking a dynamic and impactful college experience.
Mikey
09/08/2024
Beautiful campus and I love the fact they don't cut down trees as they are in the middle of a national forest. The people in town are also nice and willing to help anyone who needs it when asked. Beautiful ocean town 10/10 would recommend applying to go.
Isis
08/19/2024
As an Incoming frosh and what I have been given already, the UC Santa Cruz community is very chill and overall helpful especially the resources for students who need help. They are open minded folk and have a great heart for community. Don't be afraid to ask for help here there is openly who wish to help you success, but you do need to advocate for yourself.
Kayli
07/28/2024
In terms of location, you can't ask for better. It's absolutely gorgeous everywhere you go, a little difficult to navigate at first but easy after a month or two. A little separated from town, which can be annoying if you don't have a car, but camp life isn't entirely dead and downtown is pretty accessible by bus (busses are less reliable though). Camp housing is a mess. Over-priced and almost impossible to get, and housing in town is also crap. The administration also doesn't care about students, our needs or wants, anything. The only reason to come or stay is the location, the half of the student population that is good, and a few good academic programs.
Athena
04/08/2024
Santa Cruz is an inviting place and holds a great deal of heart. The community here is strong and there are so many research opportunities to be had. Because of the class sizes, there is a closeness that can be created with professors and TAs. While I do have complaints about the chancellor and how some issues are handled, students are always involved and advocate for each other.
Thea
04/05/2024
UC Santa Cruz was so magical and I often find myself reminiscing about college life. I treasured my classes and professors and I would do it all over again if given the chance. The academics were challenging and the community was riveting. On campus housing was so diverse and walking through campus among the big red wood trees was just unlike any other school I've ever seen. The only downside was parking is very limited and only 3rd and 4th years are allowed to park on campus. However, the bus system makes up for that and I never had trouble getting around.
Yuvika
03/20/2024
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), is a renowned public research university located in Santa Cruz, California. It is part of the University of California system, known for its strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinary studies, and commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability.
UCSC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in marine biology, astronomy, environmental studies, and computer science.
One unique aspect of UCSC is its beautiful campus nestled amidst the redwood forests overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing a picturesque and serene environment for students to study and live. The campus's distinctive architecture and natural surroundings contribute to its vibrant and inclusive community.
Furthermore, UCSC is recognized for its innovative approach to education, which includes experiential learning opportunities, collaborative research projects, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university prides itself on fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity among its students.
Overall, the University of California, Santa Cruz, is esteemed for its academic excellence, commitment to research and innovation, and dedication to addressing pressing global challenges. It continues to attract students and scholars from around the world who seek to make a positive impact through their education and research endeavors.
Michael
06/21/2023
IDK i'm trying to find out, so Imma just write some words down until I hit the word cap and can look at reviews for a school IDK if I like yet ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Zuni
01/19/2023
I like it but they don't offer a major I'm really interested in, the campus isn't accessible to people with disabilities, and it's insanely expensive for an average education and experience. But the people are mostly great, the campus is beautiful and profs are usually amazing.
Jamie
08/04/2022
I love UC Santa Cruz, I have a lot of pride and love for my university. However, our chancellor does NOTHING useful and/or helpful for the student body. She actually made a new regulation for the new school year of meal plans MORE expensive, with only there being 15 meal swipes A WEEK- that's 2 meals a DAY. Not to mention she refuses to listens to students, despite our numerous asks of help. Besides that, the strength of the student body and beauty of UC Santa Cruz keeps me.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-Santa Cruz is 57%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Dearest (past) Christina:
Please, for the love of everything, concentrate. You're in a rough place right now, and I know it's tough to balance everything, but you have to focus on what matters. I love our friends, too, and I haven't forgotten any of them, but if you want that theology degree that we always wanted, you're going to have to escape from the school with good grades! I know we tried so hard, but I think we could have done better.
Forget about the teachers and the other students harassing you. Forget about the way that one principal always has to have something to say. Forget the girl in choir who outshines everyone. We could have done this! I'm sorry I can't change you, but I can change me, and right now I'm trying so hard to do right by us, to do right by everybody: so I guess this is a bit useless. But I'm going after that degree—and I have high hopes.
I'm on the way. I know we didn't do so well back then, but I wouldn't be here without you.
Love,
(present) Christina.
I love it here!! Where else could you wander through the woods to get to a midterm? It's great. The atmosphere is relaxed, the foods amazing (compared to other schools at least) the people are nice and excepting.. I mean yea it's a little more liberal than an average school but the student body is diverse enough you'll find ppl perfect for you
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
My school contains many support systems that help students with issues beit school, work, social issues, and even family issues. Many professors try their best to help students comprehend the materials they present in the class. There are many retention programs within the school that supports the student in any way possible that may help them stay in school. Another unique thing about my school is the fantastic housing they have. Since the school is somewhat isolated from the city of Santa Cruz, the school has tried to provide every type of housing possibly for every student in the school.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
My school is a diverse place with an amazing atmosphere. I love my surroundings and the people are always friendly. I do not feel that I am at school when I am in the university of california, santa cruz. That is the best part of my school having such a fresh and clean environmnet.
it has a small feel sometimes because i came from a tiny private highschool so it almost allows me to remember how i was in highschool. even though it is a large school the separation between the colleges gives you a more unique closer smaller feeling with the college.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish i had known the difference between high school and college. I did not know that there was such a big difference. But in the end, I got used to living on campus and the life of a college student.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
The scenery of the school is beautiful and the Jewish Studies Department is great. We also have the top astronomy and anthropology departments in the nation which is not very known. I had a lot of great professors but the few that stood out were the ones that were completely open to the students and available for their needs.
I am proud to say, with it being my major, that the linguistics department of UC Santa Cruz is number one in North America. Let me say that again: # 1 in the WHOLE continent! We are also known for the naked run during the first rain of the season. We have a farm on campus that is completely sustainable on its own. My school is, as I have mentioned before, in a very geographically diverse area which leaves many things to do when the monotony of studying sets in. And again, everyone here is very outgoing and relaxed.
This school has a stereotype of being a "hippie" school where a majority of artistic caucasians attend. While there may be students who express their individuality at this school, I also recommend this school for students who are environmentally aware and those who would prefer a small community, within the school and the city, the occasional cliques, and do not mind the caucasian atmosphere.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating part about my school is the fact that my peers never want to leave their campus apartments and dorm rooms. I think it is ridiculous how much beauty we are literally surrounded with, and no one ever wants to step outside of their warm, cozy, and comfortable caves. Sure, it may be a little colder, a little less comfortable, and a little more of an effort to step outside for an hour or two a day, but it is frustrating that my peers are not taking advantage of the beautiful scenery around them.
Oakes Café is a popular café for students from every college. There is a pool table and big screen TV there. Their food is okay, but it beats dining hall food any day. They sell Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, which is very popular among students. They also accept meals, so a student who has a 75 meal plan can trade in his meal to buy food at Oakes Café. Each meal is worth $8, so a meal can get you $8 worth of food at Oakes. Students who hate the dining halls will live off of Oakes Café and Owl’s Nest, which also accepts meals.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
77% of students attending University of California-Santa Cruz receive some sort of financial aid.
36% were awarded federal grants.47%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.