---
title: University of California-Santa Cruz — PickACampus
description: Learn about UC Santa Cruz: 66% acceptance rate, $16,005 in-state tuition, and #82 ranking on PickACampus. Explore enrollment and salary data.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/671
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# University of California-Santa Cruz

The University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution in an urban setting with a total enrollment of 17,940 students. The university maintains a 66% acceptance rate and a 75% graduation rate, ranking #82 overall on PickACampus. Residents pay $16,005 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $50,205, with graduates earning a median starting salary of $49,716.

## Overview
- Location: Santa Cruz, CA
- Type: Public
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 17,940

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- Average GPA: 3.70

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $16,005
- Out-of-state tuition: $50,205
- Room and board: $19,948
- Average financial aid: $20,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $16,666

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 75%
- 4-year graduation rate: 61%
- Freshman retention: 89%
- Employment rate: 88%
- Average starting salary: $49,716

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 22:1

## Common questions

Q: What is University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate?
A: University of California-Santa Cruz's acceptance rate is 66%.

Q: How much does University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
A: University of California-Santa Cruz charges $16,005 for in-state tuition and $50,205 for out-of-state. Room and board and fees are additional.

Q: Where is University of California-Santa Cruz located?
A: University of California-Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, CA.

Q: What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?
A: University of California-Santa Cruz has a 6-year graduation rate of 75%.

Q: How big is University of California-Santa Cruz?
A: University of California-Santa Cruz enrolls 17,940 students in total.

Compare University of California-Santa Cruz with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/671