University of California-Santa Cruz
About
The University of California, Santa Cruz is renowned for its progressive spirit, world-class research, and a breathtaking campus nestled within coastal redwood forests overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It excels across the sciences and humanities, boasting premier programs in astronomy and astrophysics, marine biology, environmental studies, and computer game design. Student life is defined by an eco-conscious, collaborative culture structured around a unique residential college system that divides the university into ten distinct, smaller learning communities. Complete with its famous Banana Slug mascot, UCSC offers an unconventional yet academically rigorous experience deeply committed to sustainability and social justice.
Wikipedia:The University of California, Santa Cruz is a public land-grant research university in Santa Cruz, California, United States. It is one of the ten campuses in the University of California system. Located on Monterey Bay, on the edge of the coastal community of Santa Cruz, the main campus lies on 2,001 acres (810 ha) of rolling, forested hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As of Fall 2024, its ten residential colleges enroll some 17,940 undergraduate and 1,998 graduate students. Satellite facilities in other Santa Cruz locations include the Coastal Science Campus and the Westside Research Park and the Silicon Valley Center in Santa Clara, along with administrative control of the Lick Observatory near San Jose in the Diablo Range and the Keck Observatory near the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.
Location
Cost
Admissions
Wondering if University of California-Santa Cruz is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.
Essay Requirements
This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if University of California-Santa Cruz is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.