Overview
Known for impactful research, teaching, and public service, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Santa Cruz leads at the intersection of innovation, social justice, and sustainability.
More than 19,000 students are enrolled at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Santa Cruz in undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
30%
first-generation undergrads
61%
people of color
73
undergraduate majors and 43 minors
66
graduate programs
84%
California residents
73%
Participated in a research activity, creative ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, internship, or service learning
A natural classroom…
Located in and around a redwood forest overlooking the Monterey Bay, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø 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:
2,000-acre residential campus
²ÝÁñÉçÇø Santa Cruz also manages four , which provide locations for learning and experimentation.
²ÝÁñÉçÇø 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
²ÝÁñÉçÇø Santa Cruz 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-²ÝÁñÉçÇø President Clark Kerr, it was “the most significant educational experiment in the history of the University of California.”
A presence in Silicon Valley
Our extends the reach of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Santa Cruz. It is a research and teaching hub for Baskin ²ÝÁñÉçÇø faculty, students, and researchers, home to ²ÝÁñÉçÇøSC Silicon Valley Extension, and hosts three professional master’s programs.
Athletics
All of our 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 .
Alumni
are everywhere — now 140,000 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, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Slug alumni are changing the world.
The quarterly regularly showcases their achievements and impact.