Overview
Known for impactful research, teaching, and public service, UC Santa Cruz leads at the intersection of innovation, social justice, and sustainability.
More than 19,000 students are enrolled at UC Santa Cruz in undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
26%
first-generation undergrads
61%
people of color
74
undergraduate majors
66
graduate programs
84%
California residents
73%
Participated in a research activity, creative project, internship, or service learning
A natural classroom…
Located in and around a redwood forest overlooking the Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world. The campus includes three sites in Santa Cruz:
UC Santa Cruz also manages seven natural reserves, which provide locations for learning and experimentation.
UC Santa Cruz has been at the forefront of:
Sequencing the human genome • Creating the organic farming movement • Unlocking the mysteries of our galaxy • Challenging systems of oppression to create a more just and equitable society
We are known worldwide for excellence and innovation in many fields, including:
- agroecology
- astronomy and astrophysics
- cyberphysical systems
- data storage and open-source software
- ecology, climate change, and sustainability
- feminist studies
- games and playable media
- genomics, infectious disease, and RNA biology
- linguistics
- marine science and policy
History
UC Santa Cruz began in 1965 as an unconventional place that was unlike other educational institutions, a place where innovation—no matter how messy—was part of the campus’s DNA. In the words of then-UC President Clark Kerr, it was “the most significant educational experiment in the history of the University of California.”
A presence in Silicon Valley
Our Silicon Valley Campus extends the reach of UC Santa Cruz. It is a research and teaching hub for Baskin Engineering faculty, students, and researchers, home to UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, and hosts three professional master’s programs.
Athletics
All of our intercollegiate teams compete at the NCAA Division III level. In DIII, students do not receive athletic scholarships; they play for the love of the sport and the camaraderie of being on a team. We also offer competitive and recreational club teams.
Alumni
Banana Slug alumni are everywhere — now 150,000 strong — and are leaders in a range of fields as highly accomplished scientists, journalists, social activists, artists, political and business leaders, and more. Through their work, Banana Slug alumni are changing the world.
The quarterly UC Santa Cruz Magazine regularly showcases their achievements and impact.