The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), located in Santa Cruz, California, is a public research university known for its scenic campus and strong academic programs. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UCSC reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 47.1%, reflecting a competitive yet accessible admissions process. This rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 55,000 applications received in recent years, as well as trends toward holistic admissions that consider academic performance, extracurriculars, and personal statements. UCSC provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and the University of California system's data reports, offering prospective students reliable insights into their chances of admission.
Over the past few years, UCSC's acceptance rate has trended downward, reflecting increasing competitiveness as more students apply to the University of California system. While the absence of Early Action or Decision options means all applicants are evaluated in the same pool, the university's emphasis on diversity and academic rigor continues to shape its admissions landscape. Compared to peer institutions like UC Santa Barbara (acceptance rate around 29.0%) or UC Davis (around 37.0%), UCSC remains moderately selective, offering a balance of accessibility and prestige. Prospective students can explore detailed statistics on the official UCSC admissions website or through the University of California's annual reports for deeper insights into admission trends.
