University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California · Public
Avg Earnings (5yr)
$49,716
Acceptance Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
76%
Annual Tuition
$14,560
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz earn a median of $68,396 ten years after entry — 26% above the national median. Acceptance rate 62.5%, in-state tuition $14,560.
At a Glance
Total Students
17,812
Retention Rate
90%
Faculty Ratio
22
Financial Aid
29%
Median Debt
$16,666
Campus Setting
City
Institution Type
Public
Institution Overview
The University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 62.5% and a student body of 17,812. The university has a strong retention rate of 89.7% and a graduation rate of 75.7%. The median debt for graduates is $16,666, and 29.4% of students receive financial aid.
One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $37,107. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $49,716, and after ten years, the median salary is $68,396. In-state tuition costs $14,560.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$37k
1 YEAR
$50k
5 YEARS
$68k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
One year after graduation, University of California-Santa Cruz alumni earn $37,107. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $49,716, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $68,396. The median debt for graduates is $16,666. Nearly 30% of students receive financial aid.
The University of California-Santa Cruz has a 62.5% acceptance rate and a 75.7% graduation rate. The retention rate is 89.7%. The annual in-state tuition is $14,560.
Popular Programs
Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.
Psychology, General
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Business/Managerial Economics
Sociology
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Biology, General
Economics
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Political Science and Government
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
Fine and Studio Arts
Anthropology
Cognitive Science
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
History
Mathematics
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Chemistry
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
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Campus Location
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011
University of California-Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, California. The campus is in a city setting.