Santa Cruz, CA · Public University · #45 Public
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UC Santa Cruz admits 47% of applicants. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.72. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1,210. The average ACT score of admitted students is 27.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, supporting close academic mentorship.
Popular programs include Computer Science, Biology, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Economics.
| Acceptance Rate | 47% |
| Average GPA | 3.72 |
| Average SAT | 1,210 |
| Average ACT | 27 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 19,000 |
The average net price after financial aid is $14,000 per year. In-state students pay $16,000 in tuition; out-of-state tuition is $48,000.
| Tuition (In-State) | $16,000 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $48,000 |
| Room & Board | $17,000 |
| Avg Net Price (after aid) | $14,000 |
Plan your application timeline carefully. Always confirm dates on UC Santa Cruz's official admissions website.
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
Admit's AI advisor analyzes your GPA, test scores, activities, and essays to give you a personalized admission probability — and a step-by-step plan to strengthen your application.
Get my free college plan →UC Santa Cruz's acceptance rate is 47%. For every 100 applicants, approximately 47 receive an offer of admission.
The average SAT score of admitted students is 1210, and the average ACT score is 27. These are averages, not cutoffs — strong essays and activities matter just as much as test scores.
Test policies change frequently — check UC Santa Cruz's admissions page for their current requirement.
In-state tuition is $16,000; out-of-state tuition is $48,000; the average net price (after aid) is $14,000. Financial aid is available — submit the FAFSA to see your personalized cost estimate.
Regular Decision: Nov 30. Always verify dates on the official admissions website as deadlines can change.