Overview
Founded in 1965 as part of the University of California system, UC Santa Cruz was conceived as an experimental alternative to large impersonal universities, organizing students into small residential colleges intended to foster close faculty-student interaction. Perched in the redwood forests above Monterey Bay, the campus quickly built a reputation for strength in the sciences, particularly astronomy, astrophysics, marine biology, and genomics (the Human Genome Project's reference genome was assembled here). It has since grown into a major research institution while retaining its progressive, boundary-crossing academic ethos.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Santa Cruz, California |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Total students | 19,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 51% |
| Graduation rate | 76% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,850 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $44,604 |
| Room & board | $17,500 |
| Average financial aid | $18,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1140-1400 |
| ACT range | 22-30 |
| Average GPA | 3.90 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Marine Biology
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Computer Science/Bioinformatics
- Psychology
- Environmental Studies
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.