University of California, Santa Cruz: Campus, Courses, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships and Placements

University of California [UCSC]: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission 2022 & Scholarships

Santa Cruz, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1965established year
19457enrollment
Public
6.7/10

Why Study at University of California, Santa Cruz?

  • Programs: University of California, Santa Cruz offers 64 undergraduate majors, 41 minors, and 65 graduate programs. Top ranked programs at UCSC are Geophysics and Linguistics with ranks #51 and #53 respectively.
  • Admission Requirement: To secure admission at University of California-Santa, Applicants are required to have an average GPA of 3.6. However, students are recommended to strive for a 3.78 GPA. In addition, students admitted to UC Santa Cruz have an average SAT score of 1200-1380.
  • Cost of Attendance: UC students at all campuses pay the same USD 12,570 in systemwide tuition and fees. However, international students pay an additional USD 29,754 in nonresident supplemental tuition, which makes a total of USD 42,324 i.e 31.54 lakhs. Also Check: Cost of Living in USA.
  • Campus: Student Organizations, Advising, and Resources (SOAR) facilitate up to 174 student organizations pertaining to different interests of students at the campus of UCSC. The university also has 21 competitive sports clubs and 15 recreational sports.

University of California, Santa Cruz Rankings

It is one of the most reputed universities in the USA. The rankings of the University of California Santa Cruz by reputed agencies are tabulated below: 

  • #347 QS World University Rankings 2022
  • #80 US Universities by QS Ranking 2022
  • #103 in National Universities by US News & World Report 2022
  • #70 in Most Innovative Schools by US News & World Report 2022
  • #191 in Best Value Schools by US News & World Report 2022
  • #46 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report 2022

Highlights

Institution Type Public
Establishment Year 1965
Location Santa Cruz, California
Campus Setting Suburban
Student population 19,494
% of international students 7.6%
Acceptance Rate 64.7%
Retention Rate 89%
Graduation Rate 75%
Student to faculty ratio 25:1
No. of Campuses 10
Financial Aid Scholarships

University of California, Santa Cruz Campus

University of California, Santa Cruz campus covers 2,000 acres of land overlooking the scenic Monterey Bay. Out of the total area, 55% of the land has been designated as a protected natural landscape. There is one main campus and two satellite campuses in Silicon Valley Campus, and Santa Clara Coastal Science Campus.

  • The University has two library buildings - McHenry Library, and Science and Engineering Library that provides access to a large number of research guides, digital collections, video games, journals, general books, both remotely and physically to students.
  • Student Organizations, Advising, and Resources (SOAR) facilitates up to 174 student organizations pertaining to the different interests of students.
  • As a part of UC Santa Cruz Athletics and Recreation, some sports and recreational facilities are available at the university’s east and west campuses. These include a swimming pool, dance studio, gym, golf court, lower field, fitness center, basketball courts, multi-purpose room, martial arts studio, racquetball courts, tennis courts, etc
  • There are 21 competitive sports clubs and 15 recreational sports are open to students at the university.

University of California, Santa Cruz Accommodation

There are mainly four types of accommodation facilities available at UCSC namely In-class accommodation, Coursework accommodation, Exam accommodation, and other accommodation

  • The facility includes in-house halls are furniture, adaptive equipment, dining halls, ADA accessible rooms, debunked beds, visual fire alarm, parking and van service, etc
  • All undergraduate students living in residence halls must select a 7-Day or 5-Day Meal plan.
  • Slug meals are easy and affordable dining options for students living off-campus.
  • Rents for resident halls, suite and all undergraduate apartments as well as meal plan costs are billed at the beginning of each semester.

Also Check: 

University of California, Santa Cruz Courses
  • Programs offered at the UCSC include 64 undergraduate majors, 41 minors, and 65 graduate programs.
  • Graduate programs are offered in 60 degree tracks.
  • The University offers programs through 5 divisions i.e. Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Physical and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences.
  • Through a part of the school’s academic facet called USSC Extension, are offered online programs that comprise 350 courses, 27 certificates, 151 open sections, and 243 online instructors.
  • Different types of programs such as Pre Law, Premedicine, Education, etc. are offered at the university which serves as pathways for different majors.

University of California, Santa Cruz Application Process

Candidates seeking admission to the University of California, Santa Cruz must note that the admission process and requirements vary for undergraduate and graduate applicants. An international applicant can apply either as a freshman or transfer student. The University only offers Fall enrollment. International applicants must take note of the following details before applying:

Application Portal: University of California Application for Admission
Application Fee: 80 USD
Admission Requirements:

  • High/secondary school transcripts with records of grades/ marks in each subject
  • Certificate of completion
  • SAT/ ACT scores (optional for Fall 2021 and 2022)
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Copy of passport
  • Financial documents
  • English language proficiency test scores 
    • TOEFL iBT- 6.5
    • IELTS- 80

University of California, Santa Cruz Cost of Attendance

The annual budget for undergraduate and graduate students enrolling in 2022-23 Fall, Winter, and Spring is given in the table below. The cost of attendance for international undergraduate students is as follows:

Category Cost for UG in INR Cost for PG in INR
Tuition and Fees 33.49 lakhs 22.16 lakhs
Room and Board

13.34 lakhs

16.42 lakhs
Books and Supplies

0.87 lakhs

0.49 lakhs
Transportation

0.61 lakhs

1.35 lakhs
Personal Expenses

1.17 lakhs

1.74 lakhs

Campus Health Insurance

2.26 lakhs

3.80 lakhs

University of California, Santa Cruz Scholarships/Financial Aid

University of California, Santa Cruz offers a plethora of undergraduate scholarships with a cumulative value of over 3.7 million USD every year to all undergraduate students. International students are only eligible to apply for the Dean’s Award and Regents Scholarship. The details of these awards are as follows:

  • Undergraduate Dean's Scholarships: With a varying value of 12,000 USD to 40,000 USD spread over four years, this scholarship is awarded to newly admitted non-resident freshmen who exhibit academic and cultural contributions to the community of scholars. It is an automatic scholarship, so there is no need for a separate application.
  • Regents Scholarship: This is the highest honor awarded by the University to entering undergraduates. The value of this award is 20,000 USD paid over 4 years. Additionally, students also receive a housing guarantee as a part of the award. It is given to students with outstanding academic records.
  • The University has also provided a list of private resources that can help international students to find scholarships to study in the U.S.

Also Check: 

University of California, Santa Cruz Alumni Network

Over the years, University of California, Santa Cruz has produced more than 130,000 alumni around the world. The members of the university alumni association are entitled to several benefits and services that include:

  • Library access like free borrowing privileges at participating UC campus libraries.
  • Alumni can use the university's campus for wedding purposes at affordable rates.
  • Alumni online locator service through the alumni Online Directory for old roommates and UCSC friends.
  • Discounts on ticket prices for most of UCSC’s Arts Division Performances.

Notable Alumni:

  • Dana Priest –American Journalist
  • Jayne Ann Krentz -American writer
  • Andy Samberg –Actor
  • Cary Joji Fukunaga –American filmmaker

Also Check: Alumni Reviews of UCSC

University of California, Santa Cruz Placements

According to Payscale, the average salary of University of California, Santa Cruz graduates is 75,804 USD. The graduates working in the IT and Software development sector earn 108,000 USD every year on average according to Emolument. While Ph.D. graduates from UCSC earn a whopping 136,000 USD every year on average as reported by Emolument.

The University of Notre Dame offers its students a work-study facility where they and learn and earn at the same time

  • University conducts regular workshops and events relating to internship & job fairs, webinars, etc
  • UCSC also provides online career videos on-demand, online assessments, career coaches. It also has a CAN (Career Advice Network)
  • The median starting salary of University of California Santa Cruz graduate/alumni according to US News is USD 53,400
  • The salary of University of California Santa Cruz alumni after 10 years of graduation as per THE is USD 44,533
  • A total of 91% of graduates get employed after 2 years of graduation

The average salaries of the University of California Santa Cruz graduates after 2 years of graduation is following:

Basis Salary (in USD/year)
Median Salary 33,800 
25% of graduate earn less than 19,400 
25% of graduate earn more than 50,200

Also Check: High paying jobs in USA

According to a survey by UCSC Career Center, 36% of Computer Engineering graduates were employed full-time within 6 months of graduation and 84% were interested in pursuing advanced degrees in various fields from 2014-2016. The University also provides career services to students by organizing workshops, jobs and internship fairs, campus interviews, information sessions, speaker series, etc.

FAQs

Ques. What is the acceptance rate of the University of California Santa Cruz?

Ans. University of California Santa Cruz is quite selective while accepting candidates for final admissions. The acceptance rate in fall 2019 was 52% only.

Ques. Is the University of California Santa Cruz a reputed university?

Ans. It has been ranked 61st best undergraduate teaching college by US News. THE and QS have also ranked the University of California Santa Cruz in the top lists. Yes, it is a good school.

Ques. What are the major programs offered at UCSC?

Ans. Some major programs offered here are Engineering, Biology, Arts, Humanities, and Social Science.

Ques. What is the University of California Santa Cruz known for?

Ans. It comes under the prestigious University of California. UCSC is public liberal arts and research university.

Ques. What is the national ranking of the University of California Santa Cruz?

Ans. US News has ranked it 97th in the US while Times Higher Education has ranked under 255th in US College ranking 2021.

Ques. What is the application deadline of the University of California Santa Cruz?

Ans. The admission deadline for fall 2021 for freshmen is March 31.

Ques. What is the median salary of UCSC graduates/alumni?

Ans. The median salary of the University of California Santa Cruz after 2 years of graduation is USD 33,800 annually.

Ques. Does UCSC provide on-campus housing facilities?

Ans. Yes. There are mainly four types of accommodation facilities available at UCSC namely In-class accommodation, Coursework accommodation, Exam accommodation, and other accommodation

University of California Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams ScoreAction
Application Deadline For Fall 2023 Intake (24th Jan 2023)
USD 28,998/Yr
USD 28,998 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 100
  • IELTS: 7.5
  • GRE updated: 320
  • PTE: 54
Application Deadline For Fall 2023 Intake (4th Feb 2023)
USD 28,998/Yr
USD 28,998 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 89
  • IELTS: 7
  • GRE updated: 296
  • PTE: 54
Application Deadline For Fall 2023 Intake (24th Jan 2023)
USD 28,998/Yr
USD 28,998 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • GRE updated: 310
  • PTE: 54
Application Deadline For Fall 2023 Intake (10th Jan 2023)
USD 15,102/Yr
USD 15,102 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 89
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • PTE: 54
Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake (30th Nov 2023)
USD 29,754/Yr
USD 29,754 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • SAT: 1170
  • ACT: 26
  • PTE: 46
Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake (30th Nov 2023)
USD 29,754/Yr
USD 29,754 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • SAT: 1170
  • ACT: 26
  • PTE: 46

Do you think the Dates are wrong ?  Report Here

Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science and Engineering

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL100|IELTS7.5|GRE updated320|PTE54

Master of Science [M.S] Electrical and Computer Engineering

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL89|IELTS7|GRE updated296|PTE54

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

Master of Science [M.S] Bioinformatics

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|GRE updated310|PTE54

Master of Science [M.S] Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|GRE updated310|PTE54

Master of Science [M.S] Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL80|IELTS6.5|GRE updated320|PTE54

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University of California Ratings

Based on 2 Students Rating

6.7 out of 10
7.5/10Academic
6.5/10Accommodation
7.0/10Faculty
6.5/10Infrastructure
6.0/10Placement
6.5/10Social Life

University of California Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
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(2)
(2)
(2)
Computer (1)
Course (1)
Curriculum (1)
Faculty (1)
Science (1)
Series (1)

2 Reviews Found

Overview

Because this college is very nice and that campus is also very nice. and the admission process is simply not bad at all. And counselling members are also nice and there are all required documents with us. It's not hard to take the admission process

Fees

My Mode is online so there is $5,000 cost. but it's more impotrant to the student and I have appiled for a scholarship and I got a 20 to 40 percent scholarship. and there are no other Academic Expenses.

academic: 7/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 6/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 6/10

N
7.0 /10

Overview

I initially wanted to be a computer science: video game design major and it is the only UC that offers it as a major. Location is also great because it is close to where I live so I get to save on housing.

Fees

There are fees for many things. We have access to free tutoring for many courses and we have TAs for almost all classes. For some classes with labs, we have to pay a $25 fee for materials

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 7/10

University of California Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Fulbright-Nehru Masters FellowshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
1st Formations Business ScholarshipScholarship per student$800Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Forte FellowshipScholarship per student$24,623Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Gunvant & Bharati Parekh College ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust ScholarshipsScholarship per student$8,365Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
The Kay-Grant Group ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

University of California Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

University of California Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-6.5--
Undergraduate
SAT12501160134080
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing620580660-
Mathematics630580680-
ACT29263151
Check Detailed Score
English282431-
Mathematics282530-

Attendance Cost

$29,754

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$29,754 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$28,998 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,152 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$16,055 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$4,813 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$12,199 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$5,187 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$11,490 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$12,008 / Year

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
11427678646411467

University of California Campus Location


+1-831-459-0111
Telephone
1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Bus Station
  • Shopping Mall
  • Book Store
  • Airport

Bus Station

East Remote Lot Interior0.39 km
East Remote Lot Inner0.47 km
West Remote Lot0.55 km
Hagar Dr (UCSC - East Remote Parking)0.55 km
Show More

Book Store

The Bay Tree Bookstore1.14 km
Literary Guillotine3.03 km
Atlantis Fantasyworld3.03 km
Comicopolis3.15 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

Quarry Plaza1.10 km
Gateway Plaza2.71 km
EMPRESA 12.93 km
Almar Shopping Center3.21 km
Show More

Airport

A2 Global Shipping2.40 km
Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital Heliport6.74 km

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

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