Overview
Founded in 1965 as part of the University of California system, UC Santa Cruz was conceived as an experimental alternative to large research universities, organized around a cluster of small residential colleges nestled in a redwood forest above Monterey Bay. It quickly built a reputation for interdisciplinary study, narrative evaluations alongside grades in its early decades, and strong programs in the sciences, particularly astrophysics, marine biology, and genomics—the UCSC Genomics Institute helped lead the Human Genome Project's reference sequence assembly. Today it is a major public research university classified among the nation's top research institutions.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Santa Cruz, California |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Total students | 19,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 62% |
| Graduation rate | 79% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $44,600 |
| Room & board | $17,700 |
| Average financial aid | $18,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 68% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1160-1440 |
| ACT range | 22-31 |
| Average GPA | 3.98 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Marine Biology
- Astrophysics
- Genomics/Molecular Biology
- Computer Science/Game Design
- Environmental Studies
- Film and Digital Media
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.