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University of California-Riverside and University of California-Santa Cruz are both public institutions — University of California-Riverside in Riverside, 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.
Riverside, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 76.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 22,593
Tuition: $49,806/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.0%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Riverside, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Social sciences.
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 | University of California-Riverside | University of California-Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 76.4% | 65.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 22,593 | 17,940 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $49,806/year | $50,205/year |
| Average net price after aid | $14,304 | $17,890 |
| Graduation rate | 76.0% | 75.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $67,699 | $68,396 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 22.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Riverside, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing | Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences |
University of California-Santa Cruz is more selective (65.8% vs 76.4% acceptance rate). University of California-Riverside has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,304 vs $17,890). Both report a similar graduation rate (76.0%). University of California-Riverside is the larger undergraduate campus (22,593 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 University of California-Riverside and University of California-Santa Cruz
University of California-Riverside has an acceptance rate of 76.4%; 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.
University of California-Riverside tuition is $49,806/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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