University of California, Santa Cruz Campus

2025 admissions data

University of California, Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 65.6% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 66 actually get in. No guessing. University of California, Santa Cruz is a UNIV institution located in Santa Cruz, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) might be the right fit for students seeking a balance between a vibrant research-focused academic environment and a close-knit community atmosphere. Those who thrive in small class settings and prioritize personal mentorship will find the residential college system particularly beneficial. However, students who prefer a highly structured, traditional university model with less emphasis on collaborative living may feel overwhelmed by UCSC’s unique setup. Attending UCSC means trading off the bustling urban experience of larger cities for a more serene, nature-integrated campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. If you are drawn to environmental studies or sciences but also want liberal arts opportunities, you will likely appreciate UCSC’s academic breadth. Conversely, students solely focused on large lecture-based formats or a rigid curriculum might struggle to adapt to the institution's values and offerings.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

61.9%

Acceptance Rate

Women

68.2%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

71,696

Admitted

47,012

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose University of California, Santa Cruz. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

MathN/A

ReadingN/A

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the University of California, Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at University of California, Santa Cruz offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 65.6% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At University of California, Santa Cruz, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at University of California, Santa Cruz is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

One distinctive aspect of UC Santa Cruz that significantly influences student outcomes is the advising access students receive through their residential college system. Each of the ten colleges provides dedicated academic advisors who understand the unique needs of their residents. This arrangement fosters personal connections, allowing for tailored guidance based on individual academic trajectories and personal goals. This system contrasts sharply with traditional models that often assign one advisor to a large cohort, sometimes leading to superficial interactions. At UCSC, with a closer advisor-student relationship, students are more likely to experience a supportive environment that nurtures engagement and academic success. Furthermore, this model encourages interdisciplinary exploration; students often feel comfortable switching majors or combining fields of study, giving them the flexibility to discover new passions. However, this personalized advising can also lead to over-dependence. Students accustomed to close guidance may hesitate to seek autonomy in their academic journeys or struggle to navigate the broader university landscape, limiting their capacity to problem-solve independently. Therefore, while accessibility to advisors can enhance learning experiences, students must balance seeking help with building self-reliance. This trade-off between guidance and independence can dictate how well students adapt and thrive during their time here, affecting their completion rates and overall satisfaction.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $80

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply-now.html

Your Chances of Getting Into University of California, Santa Cruz

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at University of California, Santa Cruz based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

How Students Should Use Admissions Information Going Forward

After reviewing admissions data, many students feel pressure to draw firm conclusions. But college admissions rarely reward certainty — they reward preparation and thoughtful decision-making.

Admissions outcomes are influenced by shifting factors: applicant interest, program capacity, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel approachable to one student and competitive to another.

Turning Research into Strategy

The best applicants use admissions information to shape their approach, not limit their options. They ask where they are competitive, where they may need stronger positioning, and how each school fits into their overall goals.

If University of California, Santa Cruz aligns with your academic direction and expectations, then admissions data should help you plan — not second-guess yourself. Strategy, not speculation, leads to better outcomes.

Should You Apply to University of California, Santa Cruz?

If 65.6% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore University of California, Santa Cruz

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About University of California, Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate

What is the residential college system at UC Santa Cruz and how does it work?

UC Santa Cruz employs a residential college system where students live in smaller, themed communities. Each college offers unique programs and close-knit support, allowing for a more personalized educational experience compared to traditional large universities.

What are the most popular majors and academic programs at UC Santa Cruz?

At UC Santa Cruz, popular majors include psychology, biology, and environmental studies. The university emphasizes research across various disciplines, particularly in the sciences and engineering, making these programs robust options for students.

How much does it cost to attend UC Santa Cruz and what financial aid is available?

The cost of attending UC Santa Cruz varies based on residency status, with financial aid options including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs designed to support both in-state and out-of-state students.

What is the student life and campus culture like at UC Santa Cruz?

Student life at UC Santa Cruz is vibrant, with numerous clubs, events, and outdoor activities that foster community engagement. The culture emphasizes sustainability, creativity, and a connection to nature that many students find appealing.

What research opportunities are available for undergraduate students?

Undergraduate students at UC Santa Cruz have access to extensive research opportunities across various fields. Faculty actively involve students in projects, particularly in environmental sciences, astronomy, and social sciences, enhancing practical learning experiences.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

University of California, Santa Cruz isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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