University of California, Santa Cruz: Campus, Courses, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships and Placements

University of California [UCSC]: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission & Scholarships

Santa Cruz, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1965established year
19457enrollment
ACS WASC
Public
6.7/10
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

What's New in UCSC?

  • Winter intake deadline is approching apply before 2024-07-31

  • Upcoming Fall Application Deadline Apply before 2024-11-30
  • Why Study at University of California, Santa Cruz?

    • Programs: University of California, Santa Cruz offers 64 undergraduate majors, 41 minors, and 65 graduate programs. Top ranked programs at UCSC are Geophysics and Linguistics with ranks #51 and #53 respectively.
    • Admission Requirement: To secure admission at University of California-Santa, Applicants are required to have an average GPA of 3.6. However, students are recommended to strive for a 3.78 GPA. In addition, students admitted to UC Santa Cruz have an average SAT score of 1200-1380.
    • Cost of Attendance: UC students at all campuses pay the same USD 12,570 in systemwide tuition and fees. However, international students pay an additional USD 29,754 in nonresident supplemental tuition, which makes a total of USD 42,324 i.e 31.54 lakhs. Also Check: Cost of Living in USA.
    • Campus: Student Organizations, Advising, and Resources (SOAR) facilitate up to 174 student organizations pertaining to different interests of students at the campus of UCSC. The university also has 21 competitive sports clubs and 15 recreational sports.

    University of California, Santa Cruz Rankings

    It is one of the most reputed universities in the USA. The rankings of the University of California Santa Cruz by reputed agencies are tabulated below: 

    • #347 QS World University Rankings 2022
    • #80 US Universities by QS Ranking 2022
    • #103 in National Universities by US News & World Report 2022
    • #70 in Most Innovative Schools by US News & World Report 2022
    • #191 in Best Value Schools by US News & World Report 2022
    • #46 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report 2022

    Highlights

    Institution Type Public
    Establishment Year 1965
    Location Santa Cruz, California
    Campus Setting Suburban
    Student population 19,494
    % of international students 7.6%
    Acceptance Rate 64.7%
    Retention Rate 89%
    Graduation Rate 75%
    Student to faculty ratio 25:1
    No. of Campuses 10
    Financial Aid Scholarships

    University of California, Santa Cruz Campus

    University of California, Santa Cruz campus covers 2,000 acres of land overlooking the scenic Monterey Bay. Out of the total area, 55% of the land has been designated as a protected natural landscape. There is one main campus and two satellite campuses in Silicon Valley Campus, and Santa Clara Coastal Science Campus.

    • The University has two library buildings - McHenry Library, and Science and Engineering Library that provides access to a large number of research guides, digital collections, video games, journals, general books, both remotely and physically to students.
    • Student Organizations, Advising, and Resources (SOAR) facilitates up to 174 student organizations pertaining to the different interests of students.
    • As a part of UC Santa Cruz Athletics and Recreation, some sports and recreational facilities are available at the university’s east and west campuses. These include a swimming pool, dance studio, gym, golf court, lower field, fitness center, basketball courts, multi-purpose room, martial arts studio, racquetball courts, tennis courts, etc
    • There are 21 competitive sports clubs and 15 recreational sports are open to students at the university.

    University of California, Santa Cruz Accommodation

    There are mainly four types of accommodation facilities available at UCSC namely In-class accommodation, Coursework accommodation, Exam accommodation, and other accommodation

    • The facility includes in-house halls are furniture, adaptive equipment, dining halls, ADA accessible rooms, debunked beds, visual fire alarm, parking and van service, etc
    • All undergraduate students living in residence halls must select a 7-Day or 5-Day Meal plan.
    • Slug meals are easy and affordable dining options for students living off-campus.
    • Rents for resident halls, suite and all undergraduate apartments as well as meal plan costs are billed at the beginning of each semester.

    Also Check: 

    University of California, Santa Cruz Courses
    • Programs offered at the UCSC include 64 undergraduate majors, 41 minors, and 65 graduate programs.
    • Graduate programs are offered in 60 degree tracks.
    • The University offers programs through 5 divisions i.e. Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Physical and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences.
    • Through a part of the school’s academic facet called USSC Extension, are offered online programs that comprise 350 courses, 27 certificates, 151 open sections, and 243 online instructors.
    • Different types of programs such as Pre Law, Premedicine, Education, etc. are offered at the university which serves as pathways for different majors.

    University of California, Santa Cruz Application Process

    Candidates seeking admission to the University of California, Santa Cruz must note that the admission process and requirements vary for undergraduate and graduate applicants. An international applicant can apply either as a freshman or transfer student. The University only offers Fall enrollment. International applicants must take note of the following details before applying:

    Application Portal: University of California Application for Admission
    Application Fee: 80 USD
    Admission Requirements:

    • High/secondary school transcripts with records of grades/ marks in each subject
    • Certificate of completion
    • SAT/ ACT scores (optional for Fall 2021 and 2022)
    • Letter of Recommendation
    • Copy of passport
    • Financial documents
    • English language proficiency test scores 
      • TOEFL iBT- 6.5
      • IELTS- 80

    University of California, Santa Cruz Cost of Attendance

    The annual budget for undergraduate and graduate students enrolling in 2022-23 Fall, Winter, and Spring is given in the table below. The cost of attendance for international undergraduate students is as follows:

    Category Cost for UG in INR Cost for PG in INR
    Tuition and Fees 33.49 lakhs 22.16 lakhs
    Room and Board

    13.34 lakhs

    16.42 lakhs
    Books and Supplies

    0.87 lakhs

    0.49 lakhs
    Transportation

    0.61 lakhs

    1.35 lakhs
    Personal Expenses

    1.17 lakhs

    1.74 lakhs

    Campus Health Insurance

    2.26 lakhs

    3.80 lakhs

    University of California, Santa Cruz Scholarships/Financial Aid

    University of California, Santa Cruz offers a plethora of undergraduate scholarships with a cumulative value of over 3.7 million USD every year to all undergraduate students. International students are only eligible to apply for the Dean’s Award and Regents Scholarship. The details of these awards are as follows:

    • Undergraduate Dean's Scholarships: With a varying value of 12,000 USD to 40,000 USD spread over four years, this scholarship is awarded to newly admitted non-resident freshmen who exhibit academic and cultural contributions to the community of scholars. It is an automatic scholarship, so there is no need for a separate application.
    • Regents Scholarship: This is the highest honor awarded by the University to entering undergraduates. The value of this award is 20,000 USD paid over 4 years. Additionally, students also receive a housing guarantee as a part of the award. It is given to students with outstanding academic records.
    • The University has also provided a list of private resources that can help international students to find scholarships to study in the U.S.

    Also Check: 

    University of California, Santa Cruz Alumni Network

    Over the years, University of California, Santa Cruz has produced more than 130,000 alumni around the world. The members of the university alumni association are entitled to several benefits and services that include:

    • Library access like free borrowing privileges at participating UC campus libraries.
    • Alumni can use the university's campus for wedding purposes at affordable rates.
    • Alumni online locator service through the alumni Online Directory for old roommates and UCSC friends.
    • Discounts on ticket prices for most of UCSC’s Arts Division Performances.

    Notable Alumni:

    • Dana Priest –American Journalist
    • Jayne Ann Krentz -American writer
    • Andy Samberg –Actor
    • Cary Joji Fukunaga –American filmmaker

    Also Check: Alumni Reviews of UCSC

    University of California, Santa Cruz Placements

    According to Payscale, the average salary of University of California, Santa Cruz graduates is 75,804 USD. The graduates working in the IT and Software development sector earn 108,000 USD every year on average according to Emolument. While Ph.D. graduates from UCSC earn a whopping 136,000 USD every year on average as reported by Emolument.

    The University of Notre Dame offers its students a work-study facility where they and learn and earn at the same time

    • University conducts regular workshops and events relating to internship & job fairs, webinars, etc
    • UCSC also provides online career videos on-demand, online assessments, career coaches. It also has a CAN (Career Advice Network)
    • The median starting salary of University of California Santa Cruz graduate/alumni according to US News is USD 53,400
    • The salary of University of California Santa Cruz alumni after 10 years of graduation as per THE is USD 44,533
    • A total of 91% of graduates get employed after 2 years of graduation

    The average salaries of the University of California Santa Cruz graduates after 2 years of graduation is following:

    Basis Salary (in USD/year)
    Median Salary 33,800 
    25% of graduate earn less than 19,400 
    25% of graduate earn more than 50,200

    Also Check: High paying jobs in USA

    According to a survey by UCSC Career Center, 36% of Computer Engineering graduates were employed full-time within 6 months of graduation and 84% were interested in pursuing advanced degrees in various fields from 2014-2016. The University also provides career services to students by organizing workshops, jobs and internship fairs, campus interviews, information sessions, speaker series, etc.

    FAQs

    Ques. What is the acceptance rate of the University of California Santa Cruz?

    Ans. University of California Santa Cruz is quite selective while accepting candidates for final admissions. The acceptance rate in fall 2019 was 52% only.

    Ques. Is the University of California Santa Cruz a reputed university?

    Ans. It has been ranked 61st best undergraduate teaching college by US News. THE and QS have also ranked the University of California Santa Cruz in the top lists. Yes, it is a good school.

    Ques. What are the major programs offered at UCSC?

    Ans. Some major programs offered here are Engineering, Biology, Arts, Humanities, and Social Science.

    Ques. What is the University of California Santa Cruz known for?

    Ans. It comes under the prestigious University of California. UCSC is public liberal arts and research university.

    Ques. What is the national ranking of the University of California Santa Cruz?

    Ans. US News has ranked it 97th in the US while Times Higher Education has ranked under 255th in US College ranking 2021.

    Ques. What is the application deadline of the University of California Santa Cruz?

    Ans. The admission deadline for fall 2021 for freshmen is March 31.

    Ques. What is the median salary of UCSC graduates/alumni?

    Ans. The median salary of the University of California Santa Cruz after 2 years of graduation is USD 33,800 annually.

    Ques. Does UCSC provide on-campus housing facilities?

    Ans. Yes. There are mainly four types of accommodation facilities available at UCSC namely In-class accommodation, Coursework accommodation, Exam accommodation, and other accommodation

    University of California Program Fees & Deadlines

    ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams Score
    Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (24th Jan 2025)
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    • TOEFL: 100
    • IELTS: 7.5
    • GRE: 320
    • PTE: 54
    Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (13th Feb 2025)
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    • TOEFL: 89
    • IELTS: 7
    • GRE: 296
    • PTE: 54
    Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (24th Jan 2025)
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    • TOEFL: 89
    • IELTS: 7
    Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (9th Jan 2025)
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    • TOEFL: 89
    • IELTS: 7.0
    • PTE: 54
    Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake (30th Nov 2024)
    USD 34,200 /Yr
    • TOEFL: 80
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • SAT: 1170
    • ACT: 26
    • PTE: 46
    Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake (30th Nov 2024)
    USD 34,200 /Yr
    • TOEFL: 80
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • SAT: 1170
    • ACT: 26
    • PTE: 46

    Do you think the Dates are wrong ?  Report Here

    Top Recommended Courses


    Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science and Engineering

    2 years
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    6.3 1 Review | Ranked #76 out of 500 by ARWU Global Ranking 2022
    Exam Scores: TOEFL100|IELTS7.5|GRE320|PTE54
    Important Date: 24 Jan, 2025
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    34 Students Applied
    5 Students Admitted

    Master of Science [M.S] Electrical and Computer Engineering

    2 years
    On Campus
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    Ranked #201 out of 1374 by THE Global Ranking 2024
    Exam Scores: TOEFL89|IELTS7|GRE296|PTE54
    Important Date: 13 Feb, 2025
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    3 Students Applied
    3 Students Admitted

    Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

    Master of Science [M.S] Bioinformatics

    2 years
    On Campus
    English
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    Ranked #76 out of 500 by ARWU Global Ranking 2022
    Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|GRE310|PTE54
    Important Date: 09 Jan, 2025
    USD 15,102 /Yr
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    1 Student Admitted

    Master of Science [M.S] Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology

    2 years
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    Ranked #192 out of 1502 by THE Global Ranking 2023
    Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|GRE310|PTE54
    Important Date: 01 Apr, 2025
    USD 15,102 /Yr
    2 Students Applied

    Master of Science [M.S] Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology

    2 years
    On Campus
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    Ranked #76 out of 500 by ARWU Global Ranking 2022
    Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|GRE320|PTE54
    Important Date: 28 Feb, 2025
    USD 15,102 /Yr

    Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

    University of California Ranking

    202520242023202220212020201920182017

    QS World University logo

    Overall 393 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

    #61 out of 192 in USA 2025

    Nearest Ranked Colleges

    Virginia Tech

    Ranked 389
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    Ranked 371
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    Ranked 396
    Score 29.7

    Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

    University of California Ratings

    Based on 2 Students Rating

    6.7 out of 10
    7.5/10Academic
    6.5/10Accommodation
    7.0/10Faculty
    6.5/10Infrastructure
    6.0/10Placement
    6.5/10Social Life

    University of California Reviews


    StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
    Sort By :
    Newest First

    Engineering (2)
    Computer Science and Engineering (2)
    Computer (1)
    Course (1)
    Curriculum (1)
    Faculty (1)
    Science (1)
    Series (1)

    2 Reviews Found

    Overview

    Because this college is very nice and that campus is also very nice. and the admission process is simply not bad at all. And counselling members are also nice and there are all required documents with us. It's not hard to take the admission process

    Fees

    My Mode is online so there is $5,000 cost. but it's more impotrant to the student and I have appiled for a scholarship and I got a 20 to 40 percent scholarship. and there are no other Academic Expenses.

    academic: 7/10
    faculty: 7/10
    infrastructure: 6/10
    accomodation: 6/10
    placement: 6/10
    extracurricular: 6/10

    N
    7.0 /10

    Overview

    I initially wanted to be a computer science: video game design major and it is the only UC that offers it as a major. Location is also great because it is close to where I live so I get to save on housing.

    Fees

    There are fees for many things. We have access to free tutoring for many courses and we have TAs for almost all classes. For some classes with labs, we have to pay a $25 fee for materials

    academic: 8/10
    faculty: 7/10
    infrastructure: 7/10
    accomodation: 7/10
    placement: 6/10
    extracurricular: 7/10

    University of California Scholarships


    NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
    Young Women in Public Affairs AwardScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
    Josephine de Karman FellowshipScholarship per student$25,000Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
    Young Professionals ProgramScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
    The Google Lime ScholarshipScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
    University of Oregon ScholarshipsScholarship per student$4,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
    VueVille Future Technology ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

    Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

    University of California Admissions

    • Early Action Deadlines

      Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
      Important Date: April1 (Application results)
    • Regular Decision Deadlines

      Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
      Important Date: April1 (Application results)

    University of California Exam Scores

    ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
    Language Proficiency
    TOEFL-80--
    IELTS-6.5--
    Undergraduate
    SAT12501160134080
    Check Detailed Score
    Evidence-Based Reading and Writing620580660-
    Mathematics630580680-
    ACT29263151
    Check Detailed Score
    English282431-
    Mathematics282530-

    Attendance Cost

    $39,165

    attendance cost

    The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

    Tuition fees
    Undergraduate Programs
    $39,165 / Year
    Post Graduate Program
    $24,444 / Year
    On Campus
    Books & Supplies
    $1,152 / Year
    On campus, Room & Board
    $16,055 / Year
    On Campus, Other Expenses
    $4,813 / Year
    Off Campus
    Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
    $12,199 / Year
    Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
    $5,187 / Year
    Off campus (with family), Room & Board
    $11,490 / Year
    Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
    $12,008 / Year

    University of California Accreditations

    Institutional accreditations
    Western Association of Schools and Colleges

    Faculty

    Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
    11427678646411467

    University of California Campus Location


    +1-831-459-0111
    Telephone
    1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
    Address

    Nearby This Campus

    • Bus Station
    • Shopping Mall
    • Book Store
    • Airport

    Bus Station

    East Remote Lot Interior0.39 km
    East Remote Lot Inner0.47 km
    West Remote Lot0.55 km
    Hagar Dr (UCSC - East Remote Parking)0.55 km
    Show More

    Book Store

    The Bay Tree Bookstore1.14 km
    Literary Guillotine3.03 km
    Atlantis Fantasyworld3.03 km
    Comicopolis3.15 km
    Show More

    Shopping Mall

    Quarry Plaza1.10 km
    Gateway Plaza2.71 km
    EMPRESA 12.93 km
    Almar Shopping Center3.21 km
    Show More

    Airport

    A2 Global Shipping2.40 km
    Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital Heliport6.74 km

    ● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

    Comments


    1 Comment
    A
    anandita shrivastava
    Not recieved the fee details yet
    K
    Karan Gupta

    Our counselor will connect with you very soon regarding your query. However You can check University of California Programs and Tuition fees for information.


    - No More Comments -

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