How to Apply

To apply to UC Santa Cruz, fill out and submit the online application. The application is common to all University of California campuses, and you’ll be asked to choose which campuses you want to apply for. The application also serves as an application for scholarships. Starting with applications for fall 2024, the application fee is $80 for U.S. students. If you apply to more than one University of California campus at the same time, you’ll need to submit $80 for each UC campus you apply to. Fee waivers are available for students with qualifying family incomes. The fee for international applicants is $95 per campus.

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Begin Your Journey

Costs & Financial Aid

We understand that finances are an important part of the university decision for you and your family. Fortunately, UC Santa Cruz has excellent financial aid for California residents, as well as scholarships for non-residents. You are not expected to do this on your own! As many as 77% of UCSC students receive some form of financial help from the Financial Aid Office.

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Housing

Learn and live with us! UC Santa Cruz has a wide array of housing options, including dorm rooms and apartments, some with ocean or redwood views. If you would prefer to find your own housing in the Santa Cruz community, our Community Rentals Office can help you.

Housing

Living and Learning Communities

Whether you’re living on campus or not, as a UC Santa Cruz student, you will be affiliated with one of our 10 residential colleges. Your college is your home base on campus, where you will find community, engagement, and academic and personal support. Our students love their colleges!

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Here are your next steps!

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Ready to start your application?
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Dates to keep in mind...
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