Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Santa Cruz, California
62.5% Acceptance Rate
University of California-Santa Cruz — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
62.5%Acceptance Rate
3.63Avg GPA
1260Avg SAT
$38,649Annual Cost
$68,396Grad Salary
31.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
62.5%
Avg GPA
3.63
Avg SAT
1260
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1220–1290
Avg Net Price
$16,607
Need-Based Aid
31.8% receive Pell
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 is moderately selective — 62.5% of applicants are admitted — with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What UC Santa Cruz Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 62.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.63 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.43 – 3.62
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.18
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of California-Santa Cruz Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of California-Santa Cruz is December 1.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 128 days left — Regular Decision (single cycle; no EA/ED)
Regular Decision (single cycle; no EA/ED)
December 1
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UC Santa Cruz GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UC Santa Cruz is 3.63. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.33 and 3.63? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.83–4.03.UC Santa Cruz GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Academic rigor remains highly important.
- Research and intellectual engagement strengthen applications.
- Personal Insight Questions can add valuable context.
- Major-related preparation improves competitiveness.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UC Santa Cruz
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of California-Santa Cruz's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if UC Santa Cruz is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into UC Santa Cruz Without SAT or ACT?
UC Santa Cruz neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average — otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
University of California-Santa Cruz Average SAT Score: 1260
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz is 1260 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1260 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1290 SAT) to stand out. Below average? University of California-Santa Cruz allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1220, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UC Santa Cruz. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1260 | 1220 | 1290 |
Below 1220, you're behind most admitted students; at 1290 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
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 1300 SAT?
A 1300 SAT puts you ahead of most of UC Santa Cruz's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UC Santa Cruz
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UC Santa Cruz takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Demonstrate Strong Academic Preparation
UC Santa Cruz values students who challenge themselves academically while maintaining strong performance. Competitive applicants should pursue rigorous coursework and demonstrate readiness for university-level study through consistent achievement and academic growth.
Highlight Intellectual Curiosity
Research projects, independent learning, coding, scientific exploration, writing, or creative work can strengthen an application. UCSC values students who actively pursue knowledge beyond classroom requirements.
Use Personal Insight Questions Effectively
Responses should reveal resilience, personal growth, academic interests, and meaningful experiences. Strong essays help admissions reviewers understand the applicant beyond grades and coursework.
Align Experiences With Academic Interests
Students should demonstrate preparation related to intended fields through projects, competitions, internships, research, or sustained extracurricular involvement connected to academic goals.
Expert Insight:
Applicants often underestimate the growing competitiveness of UC Santa Cruz, particularly for STEM-related programs. Strong academics alone may not distinguish applicants sufficiently.
UC Santa Cruz Profile
Full Name
University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz)
City
Santa Cruz
State
California
ZIP Code
95064-1011
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a UC Santa Cruz Degree Worth It?
Whether UC Santa Cruz is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $78,100, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.66%.
How much does a degree from UC Santa Cruz Cost?
The sticker price is $38,649/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is closer to $16,607.
31.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 29.4% take federal loans at UC Santa Cruz — file your FAFSA early and list UC Santa Cruz as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a UC Santa Cruz Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $68,396 — about 68% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | 1213 | 26 |
| Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | 1211 | 26 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Berry College | Mount Berry, GA | 1223 | 26 |
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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
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 in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at UC Santa Cruz
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Santa Cruz Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of California-Santa Cruz run about $68,396 a year.
University of California-Santa Cruz costs roughly $38,649 a year — most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 31.8% receive a Pell Grant at University of California-Santa Cruz — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 62.5%, University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz average a 3.63 GPA.
University of California-Santa Cruz doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.33 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.23, University of California-Santa Cruz becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of California-Santa Cruz — aim above 1260, ideally within the 1220–1290 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of California-Santa Cruz is December 1.
The application fee is 80. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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