University of California-Santa Cruz vs Menlo College
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA. Menlo College is a private college in Atherton, CA. University of California-Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants and Menlo College about 68%, making University of California-Santa Cruz the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,890 a year at University of California-Santa Cruz after aid, and about $31,100 at Menlo College. About 75% of students graduate at University of California-Santa Cruz, compared with 52% at Menlo College. Ten years after enrolling, Menlo College alumni earn a median of about $76,419, against $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Atherton, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,940
752
Acceptance rate
66%
68%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
916–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
18–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,890
$31,100
Full cost / yr
$41,179
$72,020
In-state tuition
$16,005
$53,630
Out-of-state tuition
$50,205
$53,630
Application fee
$80
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,717
$25,546
$30k - $48k
$10,613
$27,618
$48k - $75k
$14,418
$28,103
$75k - $110k
$18,986
$31,596
Over $110k
$33,323
$37,298
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
52%
Freshman retention
88%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,716
$60,608
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,396
$76,419
Median debt at graduation
$16,666
$21,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
31%
First-generation students
37%
40%
International students
3%
22%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 30
Regular decision
Nov 30
Mar 15
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 Menlo College harder to get into?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is harder to get into. It admits about 66% of applicants, compared with 68% at Menlo College. 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 Menlo College?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,890 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,100 at Menlo College. 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 Menlo College?
- Before aid, University of California-Santa Cruz costs about $41,179 a year and Menlo College about $72,020. 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 Menlo College?
- University of California-Santa Cruz. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,717 there, against about $25,546 at Menlo College. 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 Menlo College?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is the larger of the two, with about 17,940 undergraduates against 752 at Menlo College.
- Does University of California-Santa Cruz or Menlo College have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Santa Cruz has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 52% at Menlo College.
- Do graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz or Menlo College earn more?
- Menlo College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,419 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Santa Cruz and Menlo College require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Menlo College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Santa Cruz and Menlo College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at University of California-Santa Cruz and 916–1150 at Menlo College. 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-BerkeleyMenlo College vs California Institute of TechnologyMenlo College vs Minerva UniversityMenlo College vs Harvey Mudd College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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