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University of California-Santa Cruz and University of California-Riverside are both public institutions — University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA and University of California-Riverside in Riverside, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | University of California-Santa Cruz | University of California-Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 65.8% | 76.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,940 | 22,593 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,205/year | $49,806/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,890 | $14,304 |
| Graduation rate | 75.1% | 76.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,396 | $67,699 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 22.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA | Riverside, CA |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing |
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 (75.1%). 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-Santa Cruz and University of California-Riverside
University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 65.8%; University of California-Riverside is around 76.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-Santa Cruz tuition is $50,205/year. University of California-Riverside is $49,806/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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