University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California · Public
University of California-Santa Cruz admitted 73% of 66,374 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 74% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at University of California-Santa Cruz
Enter a score to see whether University of California-Santa Cruz is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (73%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
University of California-Santa Cruz doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
9,881 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 6,444 took it, and 2,648 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How University of California-Santa Cruz rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- State residency
Important
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Where you live
Considered
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Legacy
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.87 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $40,306 in-state and $71,083 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $16,526 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
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