B
Good
Score: 68/100

University of California-Santa Cruz

4-Year Public
📍 Santa Cruz, California 95064
🌐 www.ucsc.edu/
Outcomes
A
84/100
Affordability
C+
58/100
Resources
C
53/100
Experience
A+
90/100
Prestige
C+
56/100

Quick Stats

19,764
Total Enrollment
74%
Graduation Rate
90%
Retention Rate
22.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
63%
Acceptance Rate
$16,526
Avg Net Price
🏠 Housing Market Near University of California-Santa Cruz ▼

2% of students live off-campus (not with family), creating consistent rental demand near campus. That's approximately 356 students who need housing.

Avg Home Value
$688,404
Avg Monthly Rent
$3,429
1-Year Change
+11.4%
For parents & investors

The University of California-Santa Cruz Town Property Report

  • Avg home value near campus: $688,404
  • Avg rent near campus: $3,429/mo
  • Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 95007 (4.0% cap, Boulder Creek)

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🏆 Where University of California-Santa Cruz Ranks

Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.

🥉
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other
of 15 schools
🥉
Game and Interactive Media Design
of 29 schools
#4
Comparative Literature
of 5 schools
#7
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other
of 25 schools
#12
Legal Studies
of 42 schools
#12
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
of 32 schools
#13
Business/Managerial Economics
of 51 schools
#18
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
of 36 schools
#22
Cognitive Science, General
of 24 schools
#29
Art/Art Studies, General
of 100 schools

Costs & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $11,834 $42,611
Total Cost (On-Campus) $40,306 $71,083

Financial Aid

71%
Receive Any Aid
32%
Receive Pell Grants
35%
Take Out Loans
$16,526
Avg Net Price

Net Price by Family Income

Family Income Average Net Price
$0 - $30,000$9,472
$30,001 - $48,000$10,114
$48,001 - $75,000$13,001
$75,001 - $110,000$18,786
$110,001+$32,674

Student Demographics

19,764
Total Students
51%
Women
93%
Traditional Age (18-24)
2%
Off-Campus Renters

👥 Race & Ethnicity

White 31%
Hispanic 27%
Black 2%
Asian 23%
Two or More 8%
Non-Resident 6%

🏠 Living Arrangements

On Campus 98%
Off-Campus (Renters) 2%
With Family 0%
🏘️ Rental Demand: ~356 students need off-campus housing

💻 Learning Mode

In-Person 71%
Hybrid (Some Online) 28%
Fully Online 1%

📊 Age Distribution

18-24 (Traditional) 93%
25-64 (Adult) 4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?
University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 63%. This indicates a less selective admissions process with good chances for qualified applicants.
How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Cruz?
Tuition at University of California-Santa Cruz is $11,834 for in-state students and $42,611 for out-of-state students . However, the average net price after financial aid is $16,526.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?
The graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz is 74%. This is a solid graduation rate, showing that most students who enroll successfully complete their degrees.
Is University of California-Santa Cruz a good school?
University of California-Santa Cruz has a Repit College Score of 68/100 (Grade: B). Our rating evaluates five key factors:
  • Outcomes (A): Graduation and retention rates
  • Affordability (C+): Net cost and financial aid access
  • Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
  • Experience (A+): Campus life and learning format
  • Prestige (C+): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend University of California-Santa Cruz?
University of California-Santa Cruz has a total enrollment of 19,764 students. Most students (93%) are traditional college-age (18-24).
Is there rental demand near University of California-Santa Cruz?
Yes! Approximately 2% of students at University of California-Santa Cruz live off-campus (not with family). That's roughly 356 students who need rental housing near campus.

Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for University of California-Santa Cruz — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →

🎓 Similar Colleges to University of California-Santa Cruz

Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.

B
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Riverside, CA · 26,426 students
B
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · 41,962 students
B+
San Diego State University
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B
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA · 36,062 students
B
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
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B
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · 25,080 students

Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology