University of California-Santa Cruz The University of California-Santa Cruz, founded in 1965, is a premier public research university known for its stunning coastal setting and innovative academic approach. The 2,000-acre campus nestled among redwood forests offers breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. UCSC is classified as an R1 research university with strengths in astronomy, marine biology, and game design. The campus features unique residential college system and state-of-the-art facilities including the Digital Arts Research Center and the Coastal Biology Building. UCSC consistently ranks among the top public universities nationally for research impact and social mobility.
UCSC takes pride in its progressive tradition and commitment to undergraduate research. The campus maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio while offering the resources of the UC system. Notable facilities include the Lick Observatory and the Long Marine Laboratory. UCSC's athletic teams, the Banana Slugs, compete in NCAA Division III. Recent additions include the new Arts Division facilities and the Institute of the Arts and Sciences. UCSC's combination of academic excellence, spectacular natural setting, and creative culture makes it one of the most distinctive campuses in the UC system.
University of California-Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate
University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 46.92%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of California-Santa Cruz Admission Requirements
UC Santa Cruz GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UC Santa Cruz is 3.63. UC Santa Cruz is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.33 and 3.63, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UC Santa Cruz GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at UC Santa Cruz utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.63, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.63 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.43 – 3.62 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.23 – 3.42 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.22 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UC Santa Cruz, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of California-Santa Cruz Average SAT Score: 1260
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz is 1260 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1260 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of California-Santa Cruz allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UC Santa Cruz. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1260 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at UC Santa Cruz and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) are good but the admission staff at UC Santa Cruz tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
UC Santa Cruz Profile
Name: University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from UC Santa Cruz Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of California-Santa Cruz is USD: 37707. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of California-Santa Cruz is USD: 17601
How can I get a scholarship?
32.03% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.13 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UC Santa Cruz and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of California-Santa Cruz, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UC Santa Cruz as your choice in the form.
How much a UC Santa Cruz Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 68396. An average UC Santa Cruz graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Santa Cruz. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of California-Santa Cruz. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Illinois Wesleyan University, IL | 1263 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of California-Santa Cruz. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1323 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About University of California-Santa Cruz Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $68396 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $37707 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of California-Santa Cruz is 46.92 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.63. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.33, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.33, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.33 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.23 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of California-Santa Cruz if my GPA is below 3.23
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.63, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of California-Santa Cruz is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1260 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of California-Santa Cruz.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.