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University of California-Santa Cruz

1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA

University of California-Santa Cruz award
University of California-Santa Cruz award
US ranking
position: 149
Tuition & fees per year: $16,503
Acceptance rate: 63.00%
Median alumni salary: $37,107
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does University of California-Santa Cruz offer in terms of athletics?

University of California-Santa Cruz provides a variety of athletic opportunities primarily through its intercollegiate sports programs. The institution competes in the NCAA Division III, which emphasizes a balance between athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities. This setting allows student-athletes to engage competitively while maintaining their focus on academic success.

The university features multiple varsity sports teams that participate in the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference. These teams include sports such as soccer, basketball, track and field, cross country, swimming, and volleyball for both men and women. The presence of these programs offers students a chance to develop their athletic skills and compete at a collegiate level.

In addition to varsity athletics, the university supports club sports and intramural activities. These less formal sports options provide a welcoming environment for students who want to stay active, build community, or play recreationally without the commitment required by varsity teams.

The athletic facilities on campus cater to various sports and fitness needs. They provide spaces suitable for both competitive play and general student use, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for physical wellness and team engagement.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of California-Santa Cruz?

At University of California-Santa Cruz, student engagement through formal social organizations is quantified by the total number of men and women students involved, with 7,699 men and 8,758 women participating. While specific details about individual student groups and associations are not available, these numbers indicate a substantial portion of the student body is involved in social organizations. Prospective students can expect opportunities for community involvement and networking through these established groups.

Who studies at University of California-Santa Cruz?

The student body at University of California-Santa Cruz is predominantly composed of domestic students, with a notably high representation of in-state residents, who make up 91% of the population. This figure ranks in the top 20% nationally, reflecting a strong local enrollment. Out-of-state students account for a much smaller portion, at just 7%, placing the university near the lower 20% for this metric. The university also hosts a significant number of U. S. students overall, totaling 98%, which is considered high in comparison to other institutions, while international students comprise only about 2%, positioning the university in a more average range for global diversity.

Enrollment numbers reveal a large freshman class of 4,381 students, ranking in the top 5% of universities for size. Transfer students are also well represented, with 1,115 new entrants each year, a figure near the top 25% nationwide. Overall, the combined undergraduate and transfer student population is substantial, with nearly 5,500 new students admitted annually, placing the university among the largest within its peer group.

Regarding age distribution, most undergraduates fall between 18 and 21 years old, with 7,558 students aged 18-19 and 7,079 aged 20-21. There are smaller numbers of students outside this range, including 555 undergraduates younger than 18 and relatively few over 30. Graduate students tend to be older, with the majority between 22 and 34 years old, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age brackets, reflecting the varied life stages of students pursuing advanced degrees.

The university's racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with particularly high proportions of Hispanic and Asian students. Hispanic enrollment is among the highest in the country, at 5,136 individuals, and Asian students form another considerable group of 4,362, both rankings placing the university in the top 5% nationally. White students also make up a significant portion, totaling 5,482 and ranking in the top 25%. Students identifying with two or more races represent a notably large group as well, with 1,589 individuals recorded. Other ethnic groups, such as African American and Native American students, show more moderate representation, aligning closer to national averages.

How does student life look like at University of California-Santa Cruz?

The University of California-Santa Cruz offers a vibrant campus culture with a variety of student-run media and performing arts opportunities. Students can engage with the campus newspaper, radio station, and television channel, providing platforms for journalism, broadcasting, and multimedia production. The presence of campus drama and chorus groups further enriches the creative environment, allowing students to participate in theatrical productions and vocal performances.

What libraries are available to students at University of California-Santa Cruz?

University of California-Santa Cruz provides students access to a single main library, the UCSC Library. This facility supports physical and digital resource access, offering study rooms and staffed assistance. While the number of additional libraries is limited, students benefit from established operating hours and shared collection access that widen the available resources beyond the campus.

University of California-Santa Cruz Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

19938

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

4191

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

837 full time, 170 part time

Veterans affair office

No

University of California-Santa Cruz Library Services and Resources

Main library name

UCSC Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of California-Santa Cruz Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of California-Santa Cruz Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of California-Santa Cruz Location & Map