University of California-Santa Cruz vs Fresno Pacific University
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA. Fresno Pacific University is a private university in Fresno, CA. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants and University of California-Santa Cruz about 66%, making Fresno Pacific University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,630 a year at Fresno Pacific University after aid, and about $17,890 at University of California-Santa Cruz. About 75% of students graduate at University of California-Santa Cruz, compared with 53% at Fresno Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Santa Cruz alumni earn a median of about $68,396, against $58,896 for Fresno Pacific University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Fresno, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,940
1,544
Acceptance rate
66%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
970–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
17–24
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,890
$13,630
Full cost / yr
$41,179
$44,249
In-state tuition
$16,005
$36,660
Out-of-state tuition
$50,205
$36,660
Application fee
$80
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,717
$11,133
$30k - $48k
$10,613
$11,929
$48k - $75k
$14,418
$10,799
$75k - $110k
$18,986
$15,744
Over $110k
$33,323
$20,353
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
53%
Freshman retention
88%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,716
$51,422
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,396
$58,896
Median debt at graduation
$16,666
$23,146
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
58%
First-generation students
37%
47%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Aug 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is University of California-Santa Cruz or Fresno Pacific University harder to get into?
- Fresno Pacific University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 66% at University of California-Santa Cruz. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Cruz or Fresno Pacific University?
- Fresno Pacific University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,630 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,890 at University of California-Santa Cruz. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at University of California-Santa Cruz and Fresno Pacific University?
- Before aid, University of California-Santa Cruz costs about $41,179 a year and Fresno Pacific University about $44,249. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of California-Santa Cruz or Fresno Pacific University?
- University of California-Santa Cruz. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,717 there, against about $11,133 at Fresno Pacific University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of California-Santa Cruz or Fresno Pacific University?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is the larger of the two, with about 17,940 undergraduates against 1,544 at Fresno Pacific University.
- Does University of California-Santa Cruz or Fresno Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Santa Cruz has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 53% at Fresno Pacific University.
- Do graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz or Fresno Pacific University earn more?
- University of California-Santa Cruz alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,396 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,896 for Fresno Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Santa Cruz and Fresno Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Fresno Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Santa Cruz and Fresno Pacific University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at University of California-Santa Cruz and 970–1240 at Fresno Pacific University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of California-Santa Cruz vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Santa Cruz vs University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Santa Cruz vs University of California-BerkeleyFresno Pacific University vs Pomona CollegeFresno Pacific University vs Claremont McKenna CollegeFresno Pacific University vs Pitzer College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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