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EduAtlasHub·University Brochure
Est. 1965
Public Research

University of California, Santa Cruz

"Fiat Lux"
🇺🇸 United States ◯ Santa Cruz ◍ 5.8% international ⬡ North America
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Official Site → Apply Now
QS World 2026
#342
Global Ranking
Acceptance
62.7%
Students
19400
Tuition/yr
$48,500/yr
Employed
88%
Faculty Ratio
18
Quick Summary

Since 1965, University of California, Santa Cruz has been one of United States's prominent public researchs, based in Santa Cruz. Ranked #342 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19400 students including 5.8% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Space Science, Linguistics, Oceanography, it maintains an acceptance rate of 62.7%.

01
Institutional Profile
Who they are

UCSC combines a radical, interdisciplinary tradition with world-class research and a stunning redwood-forest campus environment.

Subject Strengths
Space ScienceLinguisticsOceanographyGenomicsComputer Engineering
Founded1965
TypePublic Research
Total Students19400
Intl Students5.8%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusSuburban / Forest
Campus Size2000 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationWASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#342
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
66 undergraduate majors, 64 graduate programs
Programs
40
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Genomics Institute, Institute of Marine Sciences, UC Observatories
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate62.7%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.4
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) to showcase resilience and community engagement; SAT/ACT scores are not considered.

Applying to University of California, Santa Cruz? Review your SOP first.

Our AI scores your Statement of Purpose against University of California, Santa Cruz's real admission standards — acceptance rate, what the committee values, red flags to avoid. Takes 60 seconds.

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05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$48,500/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$22,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$31,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$71,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$12,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
Calculate My Cost →
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 66 undergraduate majors, 64 graduate programs programs total
ProgramLevelDuration
Computer ScienceBACHELOR3-4 YRS
PsychologyMASTER1-2 YRS
Business Management EconomicsPHD3-5 YRS
Molecular and Cell BiologyMBA12-24 MO
View All Programs →
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$65,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh
Industry Connections
Strong ties to Silicon Valley tech firms and Monterey Bay research institutes.
Notable Alumni
Maya Rudolph, Kathryn Sullivan, Jaron Lanier, Bradley Nowell
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
UCSC Recreation Complex, Upper East Field, Wellness Center
Student Clubs
200
Library Resources
McHenry Library, Science & Engineering Library
Exchange Programs
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
Summer Programs
Available
✦
What sets it apart
Distinctive residential college system, the Banana Slug mascot, and a leading role in the Human Genome Project.
09
Funding
Scholarships matched to United States

Below is a curated index of international funding opportunities and external scholarship programs that eligible students may apply for when attending this institution.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program Fully Funded Varies based on location and program duration (estimated $30,000 - $65,000 per year) Deadline: Varies by country (typically between February and October annually) → Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fully Funded Covers full tuition and provides a generous stipend for living and academic expenses Deadline: October 9, 2024 (Annually in early October) → Harvard College Financial Aid Program Fully Funded Varies; up to $85,000+ per year covering total cost of attendance Deadline: January 1 (Regular Decision), November 1 (Early Action) → MIT Scholarships Fully Funded Average award is $63,729; varies based on family income Deadline: February 15 (Regular Action), November 30 (Early Action) → Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Fully Funded Varies (Estimated total value $30,000 - $50,000 including all allowances) Deadline: Varies by country (Typically between May and September of each year) → Princeton University Financial Aid Program Fully Funded Average grant for the Class of 2027 was approximately $70,500 Deadline: February 1 (Regular Decision), November 9 (Early Action) → View all United States scholarships →
10
Questions
Answered
What is the acceptance rate?+
Approximately 62.7% at University of California, Santa Cruz.
What English score do I need?+
Requirements: IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL 80.
How much does it cost per year?+
Estimated total cost is $71,000/yr per year including tuition and living.
Are scholarships available?+
Available
What is the application deadline?+
Fall: November 30.
Can I work while studying?+
Available
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