Is University of California-Santa Cruz worth it?
Santa Cruz, CA · public
Verdict
Typical students pay $17,890 a year after aid, graduate with $16,666 in federal debt, and earn $49,716 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $178, with a debt break-even of about 3.4 years.
Net price / year
$17,890
Admission rate
66%
Graduation rate
—
Median debt
$16,666
Earnings (6 yr)
$49,716
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,396
Est. monthly loan payment
$178
Loan-to-income ratio
34%
Debt break-even
3.4 years
How University of California-Santa Cruz compares
FAQ
How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Cruz?
The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,890 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.
How much debt do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates typically carry?
Students who complete a program at University of California-Santa Cruz leave with a median federal debt of $16,666, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn?
Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $49,716, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?
Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.
Is University of California-Santa Cruz worth the debt?
Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 3.4 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.