University of California, Santa Cruz

University of California, Santa Cruz, based in Santa Cruz, CA, provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. It holds the #88 position in National Universities according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #43 in Top Public Schools. The school serves approximately 17,940 undergraduate students. The institution maintains a 66% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet competitive. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.9. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 27% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Top fields of study at University of California, Santa Cruz include Computer Science (13%), Psychology, General (10%), and Business/Managerial Economics (6%). Those who major in Computer Science can expect a median salary of $120,928. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $17,601. University of California, Santa Cruz achieves a four-year graduation rate of 61%. The application deadline is Nov. 30. University of California, Santa Cruz is committed to academic excellence and preparing students for success in their chosen fields through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience.