UC Santa Cruz publishes a cost of attendance of $38,649 per year, including $14,560 in-state tuition, $18,785 for room and board, and $1,315 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $16,607 after financial aid, representing savings of $22,042 from the published price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $41,179 |
| Tuition and Fees | $50,205 |
| Room and Board | $19,948 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,192 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$23,289 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,890 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,717 |
| $30–48k | $10,613 |
| $48–75k | $14,418 |
| $75–110k | $18,986 |
| $110k+ | $33,323 |
UC Santa Cruz publishes a cost of attendance of $38,649 per year, including $14,560 in-state tuition, $18,785 for room and board, and $1,315 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $16,607 after financial aid, representing savings of $22,042 from the published price. This net price places UC Santa Cruz slightly above the peer median of $15,590, though the $1,017 difference remains modest.
The university's net pricing reflects California's approach to public higher education funding, where substantial aid reduces costs for many students. Out-of-state students face significantly higher published tuition of $45,337, though financial aid may reduce actual costs. The gap between published and net prices demonstrates the importance of completing financial aid applications, as most students pay substantially less than advertised costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UC Santa Cruz graduates carry a median debt of $16,666, below the peer median of $20,000 by $3,334. Graduate debt ranges from $8,900 at the 25th percentile to $25,512 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across students and programs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates manageable debt levels relative to post-graduation income, as graduates earn approximately four dollars for every dollar of debt. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $27,054 with monthly payments of $356, though this affects only families who choose this borrowing option.
The controlled debt levels reflect California's investment in public higher education and UC Santa Cruz's moderate net pricing. Compared to peer institutions, graduates enter the workforce with lower debt burdens while achieving higher earnings, creating favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UC Santa Cruz delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled debt and above-peer earnings. Graduates earn $1,681 above expectations, ranking in the 62.5th percentile for earnings beyond what student demographics would predict.
Median earnings of $68,396 exceed the peer median by $7,853, while median debt remains $3,334 below peer levels. This combination results in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, indicating healthy financial outcomes.
The university's above-average return performance at the 74.5th percentile reflects effective translation of educational investment into career outcomes. Students benefit from California's substantial investment in UC system quality and affordability, creating value that extends beyond individual program choices.
UC Santa Cruz enrolls 31.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly one-third of undergraduates come from families earning under approximately $50,000 annually. This Pell share reflects the university's commitment to educational access and aligns with California's public education mission.
The $22,042 average financial aid savings demonstrates substantial institutional and state investment in affordability. Financial aid appears concentrated toward lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 receiving the deepest discounts from published prices.
The progressive aid structure reflects both need-based federal programs like Pell grants and California-specific aid programs that support resident students. Students from lower-income backgrounds benefit from aid policies that make attendance financially feasible, while middle-income families receive moderate assistance.
