University of California, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

A UC campus set in a redwood forest above the Pacific, known for a distinctive residential college system, strong marine and environmental sciences, and a laid-back academic culture.

46%

Acceptance rate

1150–1400

SAT range

23–31

ACT range

3.85

Average GPA

17,500

Undergrads

$16,359/yr

In-state tuition

$48,159/yr

Out-of-state tuition

What are your chances at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Collegator estimates your admission chances from your GPA and test scores, builds your college list, and tracks every deadline — free to start.

See my chances

Essays you'd write for University of California, Santa Cruz

Applies via Common App. Plan for the personal statement (650 words) plus whatever is below. Our standing advice: optional essays are optional in name only — write them.

We don't have this school's supplemental prompts in our library yet — check its application portal for the current list.

Spot an essay we're missing? Add it yourself in Essays → "create a custom essay" — it files under this school on your list.

Data is approximate and changes yearly — confirm on the college's official site.