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University of California-Santa Cruz
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in CA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$14,560
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
62.5%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
75.7%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$68,396
10y Career Outlook
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About Institution
University of California-Santa Cruz is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in Santa Cruz, CA. With a competitive tuition profile of $14,560, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 75.7% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$58,240
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
1.5 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$38,396
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$325,720
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$709,680
Long-term projected return on your education investment
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at University of California-Santa Cruz is $16,666.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
45
Burglary
6
Theft
4
Assault
8
Robbery
2
Rape
24
Arson
1
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$14,560
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
89.7%
Success
75.7%
In-State Cost
$14,560
Age 25+ Students
3.6%
Carnegie Class
R1: Doctoral — Very High Research
Working at 6yr
4,047 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.
Living In Santa Cruz
Off-Campus Market Estimator
Studio
$2,849
Monthly Average
1 Bedroom
$3,085
Monthly Average
2 Bedrooms
$4,054
Monthly Average
3 Bedrooms
$
Monthly Average
Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the Santa Cruz metropolitan area.