University of California, Santa Cruz
Founded 1965
President Cynthia Larive (Chancellor)
Fees USD 14,312
Acceptance Rate Selective (20–50%)
Campus Setting Suburban
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a public research university founded in 1965, set on 2,000 acres of redwood forest above the Monterey Bay on the coast of Central California. UCSC is known for its innovative approach to education, interdisciplinary research, and commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. The campus enrolls approximately 19,000 students and is particularly strong in computer science, astrophysics, marine sciences, and the arts.
Academic Divisions
- Division of Physical and Biological Sciences — Astronomy, chemistry, and marine biology
- Division of Engineering — CS, electrical, and computer engineering
- Division of Arts — Film, digital arts, music, and theatre
- Division of Social Sciences — Economics, politics, psychology, and sociology
- Division of Humanities — Literature, history, and philosophy
How to Apply
- Application: UC Application
- Test Scores: Test-free (UC policy)
- Acceptance Rate: ~47%
- In-State Tuition: ~$14,312 | Out-of-State: ~$44,066
Key Deadlines
- Application Window: November 1–30