University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About University of California
Where redwoods meet the Pacific, this campus feels both tucked-away and plugged-in. UC Santa Cruz is known for strengths in environmental and marine science, computing and data, the physical sciences, and the arts and social sciences, with a collaborative, inquiry-driven approach. Small-college communities anchor a laid-back yet purposeful culture that values inclusion, sustainability, and creative problem solving.
Libraries, labs, maker spaces, coastal research sites, and advising, tutoring, health and counseling services back students up. Clubs, student media, arts venues, and intramurals keep nights busy; trails and nearby surf make weekends even better. Career prep leans on research, internships, and alumni mentors, with Bay Area connections close at hand. The beach-town community offers nonprofits, startups, and festivals to join. Signature touches include the banana slug mascot and a campus farm. Notable alum: Huey P. Newton.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz offers 80 degree programs across 21 major academic fields, graduating approximately 5,451 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Computer & IT (5 programs, 894 graduates), Biological Sciences (12 programs, 758 graduates), Social Sciences (7 programs, 620 graduates), Arts (11 programs, 545 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 524 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Computer & IT (5 programs, 894 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 719 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11.0701 |
| Computer and Information Technology Administration and Management | 107 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.1099 |
| Virtual Environments and Simulation | 32 |
|
Master's
|
11.0804 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 28 |
|
Master's
|
11.0102 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 8 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11.0199 |
Biological Sciences (12 programs, 758 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell and Molecular Biology | 199 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.0406 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 142 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography | 95 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1302 |
| Biomedical Sciences | 76 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0102 |
| Bioinformatics | 71 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.1103 |
| Ecology | 71 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1301 |
| Molecular Biochemistry | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0205 |
| Neuroscience | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
| Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | 11 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.1399 |
| Biotechnology | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1201 |
| Environmental Toxicology | 4 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26.1006 |
| Microbiology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0502 |
Social Sciences (7 programs, 620 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 176 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 173 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 109 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45.0201 |
| Economics | 104 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
45.0603 |
| International Economics | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0605 |
| Archaeology | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0301 |
Arts (11 programs, 545 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film and Video Arts | 179 |
|
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0699 |
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 149 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0411 |
| Art Studies | 95 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Art History and Conservation | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Theatre Arts | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0501 |
| Music Performance | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0903 |
| Documentary Production | 8 |
|
Master's
|
50.0607 |
| Studio Arts, General | 8 |
|
Master's
|
50.0702 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
50.9999 |
| Musicology and Ethnomusicology | 2 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0905 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 1 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0904 |
Psychology (1 programs, 524 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 524 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
42.0101 |
Physical Sciences (7 programs, 310 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geology and Earth Science | 67 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0601 |
| Physical Sciences | 66 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0101 |
| Physics | 60 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0801 |
| Chemistry | 53 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0501 |
| Astrophysics | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0202 |
| Chemical and Physical Oceanography | 16 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0607 |
| Astronomy | 12 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
40.0201 |
Business (1 programs, 306 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Economics | 306 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0601 |
Engineering (4 programs, 254 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | 136 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.0901 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 87 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14.1001 |
| Computer Engineering | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0999 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0501 |
Languages (6 programs, 239 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Literature | 140 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16.0104 |
| Linguistics | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16.0102 |
| Spanish Language and Literature | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| Applied Linguistics | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0105 |
| Linguistic and Related Language Studies | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0199 |
| Classics and Classical Languages | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1200 |
Natural Resources (3 programs, 178 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 145 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
03.0103 |
| Environmental Science | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0104 |
| Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy | 7 |
|
Master's
|
03.0201 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz
How much does it cost to attend University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz?
The annual tuition at University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz is $14,560 for in-state students and $45,337 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $40,306 for in-state students and $71,083 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,785 (on) / $16,697 (off) and books and supplies $1,315.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does University of California, Santa Cruz offer?
University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz offers 80 academic programs across 21 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research).
Most popular program areas include:
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (5 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (12 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (7 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (11 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for University of California, Santa Cruz?
University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz has an 62.5% acceptance rate and a 10.2% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 68,845
- Students admitted: 43,054
- Students enrolled: 4,381
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of California, Santa Cruz?
University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $21,564 and average loans of $6,799.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,547
- State/Local grants: $11,654
- Institutional grants: $10,748
- Federal loans: $4,547
The university supports 2,475 students with grants and 1,331 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for University of California, Santa Cruz graduates?
University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz graduates earn a median salary of $49,716 after 6 years and $68,396 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $41,808 (25th percentile) to $102,779 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.