Overview
Known for impactful research, teaching, and public service, UC Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz leads at the intersection of innovation, social justice, and sustainability.
More than 19,000 students are enrolled at UC Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz in undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
35%
first-generation undergrads
58%
people of color
73
undergraduate majors and 43 minors
66
graduate programs
92%
California residents
73%
Participated in a research activity, creative project, internship, or service learning
A natural classroom…
Located in and around a redwood forest overlooking the Monterey Bay, UC Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful college Çàɬֱ²¥es in the world. The Çàɬֱ²¥ includes three sites in Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz:
2,000-acre residential Çàɬֱ²¥
UC Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz also manages four , which provide locations for learning and experimentation.
UC Çàɬֱ²¥ 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
UC Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz as an unconventional place that was unlike other educational institutions, a place where innovation—no matter how messy—was part of the Çàɬֱ²¥’s DNA. In the words of then-UC 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 UC Çàɬֱ²¥ Cruz. It is a research and teaching hub for Baskin Engineering faculty, students, and researchers, home to UCSC 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, Banana Slug alumni are changing the world.
The quarterly regularly showcases their achievements and impact.