The University of California, Santa Cruz, an above-average public university sprawled over 2000 acres, welcomed a vibrant community of 16,938 undergraduates and 1,896 graduates in 2022–2023.
Founded in 1965, the UC Santa Cruz follows a quarter-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, it ranks #82 among National Universities.
The university provides over 73 undergraduate majors, nearly 43 minors, and 66 graduate programs across 33 fields. UC Santa Cruz is proudly elected to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), consisting of 65 members. This blog covers university rankings, fees, and admissions, offering all you need to start your educational journey.
Ranking of UC Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz has consistently maintained a strong position in national and international rankings.
- #82 in National Universities
- #40 in Top Public Schools
- #170 in Best Value Schools
- #90 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Fees at UC Santa Cruz
Prospective students need to understand the financial side. Here’s an overview of UC Santa Cruz tuition, fees, additional expenses, and available financial aid and scholarships to help fund your education.
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| Entering Students | Undergraduate Students | Graduate Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $16,044 | $14,832 |
| Non-Resident Tuition | $34,200 | $15,102 |
| Total California Resident Budget | $44,277 | $50,019 |
| Total Non-California Resident Budget | $78,477 | $65,121 |
The total UC Santa Cruz Budget includes Books, Living Expenses, Transportation, Health Care, etc.
Admission Process at UC Santa Cruz
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | November 30 |
| Application Fee | $80-$95 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47% |
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To apply to UC Santa Cruz, complete and submit the online application, which is used for all University of California campuses. You’ll select the campuses you’re applying to and can also apply for scholarships. Starting with fall 2024 applications, the fee for U.S. students is $80. If you apply to multiple UC campuses simultaneously, you’ll need to pay $80 for each campus. Fee waivers are offered for eligible students. International applicants are charged $95 per campus.
The admission process at UC Santa Cruz involves several steps to ensure that prospective students can join the university community smoothly:
1. Application Submission
Prospective students must complete and apply through the UC Application portal, ensuring all required information and documents are included.
2. Application Deadline
Applicants must adhere to the specified application deadline, typically in the fall preceding the desired enrollment term.
3. Application Review
The admissions committee carefully reviews each application, considering factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities for ivy league, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
4. Standardized Testing
While UC Santa Cruz considers standardized test scores like SAT or ACT, they have shifted to a test-optional policy, allowing students to decide whether to submit scores.
5. Transcripts
Applicants must provide official transcripts from all previous schools attended, demonstrating their academic performance and coursework.
6. Supplementary Materials
Some programs or majors may require additional materials, such as portfolios or audition tapes for arts programs.
7. Admissions Decisions
Once applications are reviewed, the university notifies applicants of their admission status, typically in the spring before the start of the academic year.
8. Acceptance Confirmation
Admitted students must confirm their acceptance of the offer by the specified deadline and pay any required deposits to secure their spot in the incoming class.
9. Orientation and Enrollment
After confirming acceptance, students participate in orientation programs to familiarize themselves with campus resources, academic advising, and course registration processes.
10. Financial Aid
Prospective students can apply for financial aid and scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. UC Santa Cruz provides various financial aid options to eligible students.
11. Housing Application
Students who plan to live on-campus can submit housing applications to secure accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition to university life.
12. Orientation and Welcome Events
Before the start of the academic year, UC Santa Cruz hosts orientation and welcome events to introduce incoming students to campus life, academic expectations, and support services available.
Student Experience at UC Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is a great school with lots of different subjects to study. They focus on different areas and research. The campus is also really pretty and they care about the environment.
There are a lot of clubs and things to do with other students. People from all different backgrounds go there, and everyone feels welcome. You can also do things with people who live nearby.
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Overall, UC Santa Cruz is a good place to go to school. They care about learning and making sure everyone feels included and supported socially.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UC Santa Cruz offers a dynamic and enriching environment for academic and personal growth. By understanding its ranking, fees, and admission process, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your journey toward higher education. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights and assistance in your pursuit of knowledge at UC Santa Cruz.
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Does UC Santa Cruz have a strong campus community, as it is important for social life and support?
UC Santa Cruz fosters a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and social events. Its location near the California coast offers opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.