University of California-Santa Cruz: programs, outcomes and local jobs

University of California-Santa Cruz at a glance

• 17,940

  students enrolled

• 5,107

  degrees and certificates a year

• 75%

  of students complete

  College Scorecard

• $17,890

  average net price a year

  Tuition $11,834 in state, $42,611 out of state

• $49,716

  median earnings, 6 years after entry

• $68,396

  median earnings, 10 years after entry

  90% working

What students study

AI and data programs

Degrees and certificates awarded in 2024, by program area and level, from IPEDS completions.

The job market around University of California-Santa Cruz

Professional jobs listed in the cities of Santa Cruz County, where the college is.

• 102

  open professional jobs

• 7

  entry level

• 5%

  ask for AI skills

  5 jobs

• 5.1%

  unemployment in Santa Cruz County

  2026-09 · down 0.3 points from a year earlier

• $109,266

  median household income

  Santa Cruz County

• 48%

  of workers are in professional jobs

  estimated 3.5% unemployment among them

Jobs that fit what students study here: most degrees are in computer & information sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, which lead to engineering (51 open), data & analytics (4 open), programs (2 open).

Hiring most: Joby Aviation (36), Heron Power (14), Granite Construction (11), Capstan Medical (4), HP (3), Pyramid Global Hospitality (3), Albertsons Companies (2), CommonSpirit Health (2).

What they hire for: Engineering (51), Operations (10), Finance (6), Data & Analytics (4), Design (4), Administration (3). Engineering jobs

Job search help near campus

Workforce board: Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board.

• Capitola Career Center - America`s Job Center of California (AJCC)Capitola · 831-464-6286 · Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Santa Cruz County, Workforce, Watsonville Career CenterWatsonville · 831-763-8933 · Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Closed 12:00 noon - 1pm
• SCCOE - Suenos Youth Program ServicesFreedom · 831-466-5672 · Monday-Friday 9a.m.-5p.m.

American Job Centers are free, public career offices.

Similar colleges in California

• Bakersfield CollegeBakersfield · 17,280 students
• San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco · 18,639 students
• California State University-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 19,562 students
• San Diego Mesa CollegeSan Diego · 16,098 students
• Rio Hondo CollegeWhittier · 15,684 students
• Modesto Junior CollegeModesto · 15,109 students

All California colleges

Common questions

How big is University of California-Santa Cruz?

University of California-Santa Cruz enrolls about 17,940 students and is a public 4-year institution in Santa Cruz, California. It awards about 5,107 degrees and certificates a year.

What is the graduation rate at University of California-Santa Cruz?

75% of students complete, from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS 2023 / Scorecard 2026-06).

What do University of California-Santa Cruz graduates earn?

Median earnings of students who received federal aid are $49,716 six years after entry and $68,396 ten years after entry, from the College Scorecard.

Does University of California-Santa Cruz offer AI or data science degrees?

Yes. University of California-Santa Cruz awarded degrees or certificates in artificial intelligence (master) in 2024, from IPEDS completions by program.

Are there jobs near University of California-Santa Cruz?

102 open professional jobs are listed in Santa Cruz County, 7 of them entry level and 0 saying no experience is needed. Joby Aviation has the most openings.