University of California, Santa Cruz Fees and Programs

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) charges international undergraduate students an estimated total cost of attendance of around $63,000 USD for the 2023-2024 academic year. This amount includes tuition fees of approximately $43,000 USD and living expenses estimated at $20,000 USD. In Indian Rupees, this totals about ₹51,66,000 INR, based on the current exchange rate.

UC Santa Cruz is a renowned public land-grant research university located on 2,001 acres of scenic hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, California. It is recognized as a Public Ivy and is one of the ten campuses in the University of California system.

The university offers strong academic programs with notable rankings in several fields according to US News. Computer Science is ranked #82, Physics at #85, Biological Sciences at #84, and Psychology at #86. Other well-ranked programs include Sociology (#62), Earth Sciences (#33), and Fine Arts (#134).

Situated on the coast of Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz combines a beautiful natural setting with high-quality education, making it a popular choice for students worldwide.

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Know in detail about University of California, Santa Cruz’s popular programs

• BS In Applied Mathematics
• BS In Technology & Information Management
• MS In Scientific Computing & Applied Mathematics
• MS In Electrical & Computer Engineering
• PhD In Computer Science & Engineering
• PhD In Astronomy & Astrophysics

University of California, Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate

• Overall rate: Between 61%–65% for freshman applicants.

  • In Fall 2024, UCSC admitted 46,582 out of 71,700 applicants (~65%) 

  • Other sources indicate a rate around 61% .

University of California, Santa Cruz Eligibility Criteria

To be minimally eligible, applicants must:

1. Complete UC “a–g” requirements:

   • 15 college-prep courses total, with at least 11 completed before senior year 

2. High School GPA:

   • Minimum 3.0 in “a‑g” courses for California residents; 3.4 for non-residents 

3. Entry-Level Writing Requirement:

   • Must satisfy via placement, test scores, or coursework 

4. For International Students:

   • Equivalent coursework, 3.4 GPA, English proficiency tests, and visa documentation 

University of California, Santa Cruz Admission Requirements

First-Year (Freshman) Applicants:

• Comprehensive review using 13 faculty-approved criteria (academic record, activities, personal insight responses)

• Test-optional / test‑blind: UCSC does not consider SAT/ACT scores 

• No letters of recommendation needed.

• Common Application + UC-specific essays (personal insight questions).

• Official high school transcripts.

• Conditional on meeting all “a‑g” and GPA standards by graduation 

If you’re planning to study in United States, check out our comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know from top universities and popular programs to career prospects, tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, visas, and more.

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