Deciding on a college can be a challenging task, as there are various factors to consider when comparing different schools. In this article, we will compare two notable public universities in California – UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) and UC Riverside (UCR). We will examine several aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and alumni, to help you make an informed decision.
UC Santa Cruz Overview
UC Santa Cruz, founded in 1965, is a public research university located in Santa Cruz, California. The university is known for its picturesque campus, which is situated on a 2,000-acre site overlooking Monterey Bay. UCSC is a member of the prestigious University of California system and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
UC Santa Cruz Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for UC Santa Cruz was $35,980 for in-state students and $64,924 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset these costs for eligible students.
UC Santa Cruz Admissions
UC Santa Cruz’s admission process is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 51.8% in 2020. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1190 and 1390 on the SAT and between 24 and 31 on the ACT. As part of the University of California system, UC Santa Cruz uses a holistic review process that considers various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal insight questions.
UC Santa Cruz Degrees Offered
UCSC offers over 65 undergraduate majors, 40 minors, and more than 50 graduate programs. Some popular majors include biology, psychology, computer science, environmental studies, and film production. The university is also known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, encouraging students to explore multiple subjects and create unique learning experiences.
UC Santa Cruz Academics
UCSC prides itself on its commitment to undergraduate education, with a student-faculty ratio of 21:1 and an average class size of 28 students. The university offers various academic resources and support services, including tutoring, research opportunities, and academic advising. Additionally, UC Santa Cruz boasts several world-renowned faculty members, including Pulitzer Prize winners and Nobel laureates.
UC Santa Cruz Diversity
UC Santa Cruz is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on its campus. In fall 2020, the undergraduate population was 35.7% Hispanic/Latino, 29.6% White, 21.4% Asian, 3.3% African American, and 10% other or unknown. UCSC also offers several programs and resources aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
UC Santa Cruz Students
UCSC has a vibrant campus life, with over 150 student organizations, various athletic programs, and numerous events and activities throughout the year. The university also offers several on-campus housing options, including themed residential communities that cater to specific interests and academic focuses.
UC Santa Cruz Campus
The UC Santa Cruz campus is known for its stunning natural beauty, with redwood forests, meadows, and views of the Pacific Ocean. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs, libraries, art studios, and athletic facilities. Additionally, the university’s location provides easy access to various outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, and mountain biking.
UC Santa Cruz Alumni
Notable UC Santa Cruz alumni include Maya Rudolph, an actress and comedian; Cary Fukunaga, a film director and writer; and Huey P. Newton, a political activist and co-founder of the Black Panther Party. UCSC graduates are known to pursue careers in various fields, including technology, entertainment, research, and public service.
UC Santa Cruz Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UC Santa Cruz was ranked #97 in National Universities and #45 in Best Undergraduate Teaching. The university was also ranked #34 in Top Public Schools.
UC Santa Cruz Outcomes
According to CollegeFactual, the average starting salary for UC Santa Cruz graduates is $44,000, and the mid-career salary is $94,600. The university’s four-year graduation rate is 56%, and the six-year graduation rate is 78%.
UC Riverside Overview
UC Riverside, founded in 1954, is a public research university located in Riverside, California. Known for its diverse student body and commitment to research, UCR is an integral part of the University of California system. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines.
UC Riverside Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for UC Riverside was $35,033 for in-state students and $64,638 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset these costs for eligible students.
UC Riverside Admissions
UC Riverside’s admission process is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 56.6% in 2020. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1130 and 1350 on the SAT and between 23 and 30 on the ACT. As part of the University of California system, UC Riverside uses a holistic review process that considers various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal insight questions.
UC Riverside Degrees Offered
UCR offers over 80 undergraduate majors, 50 minors, and more than 70 graduate programs. Some popular majors include business administration, biology, psychology, engineering, and anthropology. The university also emphasizes research and hands-on learning experiences, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in their fields of study.
UC Riverside Academics
UC Riverside has a student-faculty ratio of 22:1 and an average class size of 31 students. The university offers various academic resources and support services, including tutoring, research opportunities, and academic advising. Additionally, UCR is home to several distinguished faculty members, including MacArthur Fellows and members of the National Academy of Sciences.
UC Riverside Diversity
UC Riverside prides itself on its diverse student body, with a focus on promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities. In fall 2020, the undergraduate population was 52.1% Hispanic/Latino, 19.4% Asian, 10.9% White, 6.2% African American, and 11.4% other or unknown. UCR also offers several programs and resources aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
UC Riverside Students
UCR offers a vibrant campus life, with over 450 student organizations, various athletic programs, and numerous events and activities throughout the year. The university also provides several on-campus housing options, including residence halls, campus apartments, and living-learning communities.
UC Riverside Campus
The UC Riverside campus spans 1,200 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, athletic facilities, and performing arts venues. The campus is located near downtown Riverside, providing students with access to various cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
UC Riverside Alumni
Notable UC Riverside alumni include Janet Napolitano, the former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and President of the University of California system; Billy Collins, a former U.S. Poet Laureate; and Elizabeth Loftus, a renowned psychologist. UCR graduates pursue careers in a variety of fields, including technology, healthcare, research, and public service.
UC Riverside Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UC Riverside was ranked #103 in National Universities and #32 in Top Public Schools. The university was also ranked #25 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
UC Riverside Outcomes
According to CollegeFactual, the average starting salary for UC Riverside graduates is $42,100, and the mid-career salary is $92,200. The university’s four-year graduation rate is 47%, and the six-year graduation rate is 76%.
UC Santa Cruz vs UC Riverside Cost Comparison
Both UC Santa Cruz and UC Riverside have similar costs for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for UC Santa Cruz was $35,980 for in-state students and $64,924 for out-of-state students. In comparison, the estimated cost of attendance for UC Riverside was $35,033 for in-state students and $64,638 for out-of-state students.
UC Santa Cruz vs UC Riverside Admissions Difficulty
Both UC Santa Cruz and UC Riverside have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 51.8% and 56.6% in 2020, respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students at UC Santa Cruz scored between 1190 and 1390 on the SAT and between 24 and 31 on the ACT, while the middle 50% of admitted students at UC Riverside scored between 1130 and 1350 on the SAT and between 23 and 30 on the ACT.
UC Santa Cruz vs UC Riverside Academic Difficulty
Both universities have similar student-faculty ratios (21:1 at UCSC and 22:1 at UCR) and average class sizes (28 at UCSC and 31 at UCR), indicating comparable levels of academic rigor and support. UC Santa Cruz is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, while UC Riverside emphasizes research and hands-on.
