US University · Ranked #56
University of California, Santa Cruz: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of California, Santa Cruz is a moderately selective university in Santa Cruz, California, admitting around 47% of those who apply. Ranked #56 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
UC Santa Cruz is a top-tier public research university set among redwood forests, known for its strengths in computer science, astronomy, and marine biology.
This guide breaks down University of California, Santa Cruz's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of California, Santa Cruz admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 47%
- SAT range
- 1140–1370
- Average GPA
- 3.6
- In-state
- $13,992
- Out-of-state
- $43,794
- Enrollment
- 17,792
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Santa Cruz, California
How hard is it to get into University of California, Santa Cruz?
With 47% of applicants admitted, University of California, Santa Cruz is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, University of California, Santa Cruz is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of California, Santa Cruz typically score between 1140 and 1370 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1140 and a quarter above 1370. A score at or above 1370 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1255 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.6. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1140) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of California, Santa Cruzapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Nov 30
University of California, Santa Cruz operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Nov 30, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Nov 30 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Nov 30.
Notable programs at University of California, Santa Cruz
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Marine Biology — a common pre-health major with heavy lab and prerequisite expectations.
- Astrophysics — a research-intensive area well-supported by the institution's faculty.
- Film — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Environmental Studies — an applied, increasingly in-demand field at this institution.
University of California, Santa Cruz is particularly known for Computer Science, Marine Biology, Astrophysics, Film, and Environmental Studies.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of California, Santa Cruz
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of California, Santa Cruz costs significantly less for California residents: in-state tuition is about $13,992 per year versus roughly $43,794 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,802 annually. If you are not a California resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of California, Santa Cruz an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of California, Santa Cruz: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Santa Cruz?
- University of California, Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 47%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, University of California, Santa Cruz is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for University of California, Santa Cruz?
- Admitted students at University of California, Santa Cruz typically score between 1140 and 1370 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1370 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1140 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Santa Cruz?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of California, Santa Cruz is approximately 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.6 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of California, Santa Cruz?
- University of California, Santa Cruz's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Nov 30. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of California, Santa Cruz a public or private university?
- University of California, Santa Cruz is a public university. In-state students from California pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of California, Santa Cruz?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of California, Santa Cruz costs significantly less for California residents: in-state tuition is about $13,992 per year versus roughly $43,794 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $29,802 annually. If you are not a California resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.