University of California in Santa Cruz

Learn what degree programs the University of California - Santa Cruz offers. Research its academics, and read about its admission and financial aid info to make an informed education decision.

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About The University of California - Santa Cruz

The University of California - Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a public school and a member of the University of California System. The school opened with just under 700 students in 1965 and has since awarded more than 77,000 degrees. It's accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The university's 2,000-acre campus is located near Monterey Bay.

Academics

UCSC awards bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees as well as post-baccalaureate certificates through the School of Engineering and five divisions: physical and biological sciences, art, humanities and social sciences. A total of 50 undergraduate fields of study are offered; students can also create an independent major. Graduate degrees are available in 34 fields of study as well.

As of 2011, the school boasted a total student enrollment of about 18,000, the majority of whom were undergraduates, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university states that 58% of lower division and 72% of upper division courses consist of less than 30 students.

Admissions

UCSC accepts online University of California applications once a year and permits new and transfer students to enter each fall. As of 2012, admission requirements for incoming freshmen included a minimum 3.0 GPA in 15 specific high school courses, the ACT Plus Writing or SAT Reasoning test and a personal statement. In the fall of 2012, the university received approximately 33,000 applications and admitted 64% of applicants.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UCSC's undergraduate resident tuition for the 2012-2013 school year was $13,416. Overall, the school estimates the total yearly cost of attendance for residents at $33,291. UCSC offers work-study opportunities for undergraduate students and teaching or research assistantships for graduate students.

According to the school, more than 2,000 students receive scholarships each year. In addition to scholarships, the school accepts state and federal loans as well as Cal Grants. Cal Grants are given by the state to students and do not have repayment obligations.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - SANTA CRUZ QUICK FACTS
School Type	4-year, public**
Degrees Offered	Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees*
Religious Affiliation	None*
Academic Calendar	Quarters*
School Setting	Small city**
Student Body	About 18,000 students; approximately 17,000 undergraduates in 2011*
Student Housing	Undergraduate students live in one of ten residential colleges*
ACADEMICS
Schools and Programs	Five schools, 50 undergraduate programs of study and 34 graduate programs*
Student-Faculty Ratio	18 to 1*
Most Popular Undergraduate Fields of Study	Sociology, anthropology, film and digital media, community studies, history, politics, business management economics, literature, psychology, environmental studies (2011)*
Undergraduate Graduation Rates	49% in four years 73% in six years 75% in eight years**
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Rate	64% in 2012*
First Year Retention Rates	91% (full-time students) 70% (part-time students)**
Application Due Date	November 30, 2012, for 2013-2014 school year*
Decision Notification Date	Begins March 15, 2013 for 2013-2014 school year*
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
Tuition	$13,416 per year (2012-2013)*
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Students Receiving It)	In 2011: Federal grants (42%), state and local grants (40%), institutional scholarships (62%), federal loans (56%)**
Percent of Students Receiving Aid	73% 2011**