University of California-Santa Cruz: Is It Worth It?
Santa Cruz, California · Public · Website
ROI Score
8.6
Net Price/Year
$17,890
avg with financial aid
10yr Earnings
$68,396
median, all graduates
Median Debt
$16,666
at graduation
Is University of California-Santa Cruz Worth It?
Graduates earn a median of $68,396 per year ten years after enrollment. With an average net price of $17,890 per year, the total estimated cost for a four-year degree is approximately $71,560.
Based on median earnings, the degree typically pays for itself in approximately 1.0 years.
The median graduate leaves with $16,666 in debt, which represents about 24%of one year's earnings at the 10-year mark.
Note: These figures reflect all graduates regardless of major. Individual outcomes vary significantly by field of study, career choices, and personal circumstances.
Earnings vs. Debt
Net Price by Family Income
Admissions Snapshot
Acceptance Rate
65.8%
Avg SAT
N/A
ACT Midpoint
N/A
Enrollment
17,940
Completion & Retention
6-Year Graduation Rate
74.8%
National avg: ~60%
Retention Rate
87.9%
First-year students returning
3yr Repayment Rate
552700.0%
Grads making progress on loans
Cost Breakdown
In-State Tuition
$16,005
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,205
Avg Net Price
$17,890
After grants/scholarships
Similar Schools
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
ROI: 36.3
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
ROI: 31.9
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
ROI: 25.1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
ROI: 25.0
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
ROI: 23.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Santa Cruz worth the money?
Based on federal data, University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn a median of $68,396 ten years after enrollment, with a median debt of $16,666 at graduation. The ROI score is 8.6.
What do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn?
The median earnings for University of California-Santa Cruz graduates is $49,716 six years after enrollment and $68,396 ten years after enrollment, according to the College Scorecard.
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?
The acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Cruz is 65.8%.
How much debt do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates have?
The median debt at graduation for University of California-Santa Cruz students is $16,666.
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings data reflects median earnings 10 years after enrollment for all graduates. Debt figures reflect median debt at graduation for completers. Individual outcomes may vary.