University of California-Santa Cruz — 2026
What SAT, ACT scores and GPA do you need for University of California-Santa Cruz? See the latest score ranges, admission requirements, deadlines, and.
University of California-Santa Cruz SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA Requirements 2026
What SAT and ACT scores do you need to get into University of California-Santa Cruz? The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1190-1400, with an average of 1295. University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 65.8%, making it accessible. Here is everything you need to know about test scores and academic requirements.
Quick Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.8% |
| SAT Score Range (25th-75th) | 1190 - 1400 |
| Average SAT Score | 1295 |
| ACT Score Range (25th-75th) | 26 - 32 |
| Average ACT Score | 29 |
| Average GPA | 3.73 |
| Application Deadline | 30th Nov |
SAT Score Requirements
The middle 50% of admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz score between 1190 and 1400 on the SAT. This means 25% of admitted students scored below 1190, and 25% scored above 1400.
| SAT Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading & Writing | 590 | 680 |
| Math | 600 | 720 |
| Composite | 1190 | 1400 |
What SAT score do you need for University of California-Santa Cruz? To be competitive, aim for at least 1370. A score of 1400 or above puts you in the top 25% of admitted students.
ACT Score Requirements
The middle 50% ACT composite score range at University of California-Santa Cruz is 26-32.
| ACT Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| English | 24 | 33 |
| Math | 25 | 30 |
| Composite | 26 | 32 |
GPA Requirements
The average GPA of admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz is 3.73. You should aim for mostly A's with some B's to be a competitive applicant.
Application Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | 30th Nov |
Cost Overview
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $16,005 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,205 |
Check Your Chances
Use our Admissions Calculator to see how your scores compare to admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz. You can also view the full University of California-Santa Cruz profile for more details on programs, campus life, and financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average SAT score for University of California-Santa Cruz?
The average SAT score for admitted students at University of California-Santa Cruz is 1295.
What ACT score do I need for University of California-Santa Cruz?
The average ACT score is 29.
Is University of California-Santa Cruz hard to get into?
With an acceptance rate of 65.8%, University of California-Santa Cruz is accessible to students with solid academic records.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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