University of California-Santa Cruz vs University of San Francisco
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA, and University of San Francisco is a private university in San Francisco, CA. University of San Francisco is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 66% at University of California-Santa Cruz. University of California-Santa Cruz is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,890 a year against $41,431 at University of San Francisco. About 75% of students graduate at University of California-Santa Cruz, compared with 71% at University of San Francisco. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Francisco alumni earn a median of about $89,812, against $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
San Francisco, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,940
5,287
Acceptance rate
66%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1190–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
25–30
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,890
$41,431
Full cost / yr
$41,179
$80,141
In-state tuition
$16,005
$60,492
Out-of-state tuition
$50,205
$60,492
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,717
$31,537
$30k - $48k
$10,613
$33,207
$48k - $75k
$14,418
$34,315
$75k - $110k
$18,986
$38,933
Over $110k
$33,323
$52,497
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
71%
Freshman retention
88%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,716
$69,951
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,396
$89,812
Median debt at graduation
$16,666
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
28%
First-generation students
37%
28%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jan 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 University of San Francisco harder to get into?
- University of San Francisco is harder to get into. It admits about 62% 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 University of San Francisco?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,890 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,431 at University of San Francisco. 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 University of San Francisco?
- Before aid, University of California-Santa Cruz costs about $41,179 a year and University of San Francisco about $80,141. 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 University of San Francisco?
- University of California-Santa Cruz. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,717 there, against about $31,537 at University of San Francisco. 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 University of San Francisco?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is the larger of the two, with about 17,940 undergraduates against 5,287 at University of San Francisco.
- Does University of California-Santa Cruz or University of San Francisco have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Santa Cruz has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 71% at University of San Francisco.
- Do graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz or University of San Francisco earn more?
- University of San Francisco alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,812 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 University of San Francisco require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of San Francisco is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Santa Cruz and University of San Francisco look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at University of California-Santa Cruz and 1190–1390 at University of San Francisco. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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