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California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and University of California-Santa Cruz are both public institutions — California State Polytechnic University-Pomona in Pomona, CA and University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Pomona, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 75.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 25,042
Tuition: $20,380/year
Student-faculty ratio: 25.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Pomona, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Santa Cruz, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 65.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 17,940
Tuition: $50,205/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 75.1%
Top programs: Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Santa Cruz, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Biological sciences.
| Factor | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | University of California-Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 75.2% | 65.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 25,042 | 17,940 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,380/year | $50,205/year |
| Average net price after aid | $11,531 | $17,890 |
| Graduation rate | 68.4% | 75.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $71,902 | $68,396 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 25.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Pomona, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences | Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences |
University of California-Santa Cruz is more selective (65.8% vs 75.2% acceptance rate). California State Polytechnic University-Pomona has a lower average net price after grant aid ($11,531 vs $17,890). University of California-Santa Cruz reports the higher graduation rate (75.1% vs 68.4%). California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is the larger undergraduate campus (25,042 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and University of California-Santa Cruz
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75.2%; University of California-Santa Cruz is around 65.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona tuition is $20,380/year. University of California-Santa Cruz is $50,205/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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