UC Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate
UC Santa Cruz at a Glance
UC Santa Cruz Admissions Overview
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA with 21,109 students. With a 62.5% acceptance rate, most students who meet the requirements are admitted. The most popular majors are Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences.
| Full Name | University of California-Santa Cruz |
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | ucsc.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 21,109 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 18,997 |
| Female Students | 49.7% |
Is UC Santa Cruz a Reach, Match, or Safety?
UC Santa Cruz accepts 62.5% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
| Your Profile | UC Santa Cruz Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Meet academic requirements | Safety | Strong odds — apply with confidence |
| Slightly below average | Match | Apply — still realistic |
UC Santa Cruz True Cost by Family Income
32% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UCSC enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $8,717 | $34,868 |
| $30-48k | $10,613 | $42,452 |
| $48-75k | $14,418 | $57,672 |
| $75-110k | $18,986 | $75,944 |
| $110k+ | $33,323 | $133,292 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $18,785 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $41,179 |
Want to see how UC Santa Cruz stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at UC Santa Cruz
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
How to Get Into UC Santa Cruz
UCSC is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — UCSC still offers strong programs and outcomes.
What UC Santa Cruz Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Important |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at UC Santa Cruz by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
UC Santa Cruz Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC Santa Cruz UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
See UC Santa Cruz alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Santa Cruz
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Santa Cruz is not affiliated with NextColleges.