Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of California-Riverside vs University of California-Santa Cruz

Riverside, CA · Santa Cruz, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of California-RiversideUniversity of California-Santa Cruz
Acceptance Rate76.4%65.8%
In-State Tuition$15,606$16,005
Out-of-State Tuition$49,806$50,205
Average Net Price$14,562$18,059
Graduation Rate76.0%75.0%
Total Enrollment26,38419,938
Student-Faculty Ratio2222

GradFax Analysis

University of California-Riverside accepts 76.4% of applicants. University of California-Santa Cruz accepts 65.8%. Tuition is close: $15,606 at University of California-Riverside, $16,005 at University of California-Santa Cruz. Six-year graduation rates are close: 76% at University of California-Riverside, 75% at University of California-Santa Cruz.

Bottom Line

After aid, the average student pays $14,562/year at University of California-Riverside and $18,059/year at University of California-Santa Cruz. University of California-Riverside is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of California-Riverside profileUniversity of California-Santa Cruz profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of California-Riverside or University of California-Santa Cruz?

University of California-Santa Cruz. It accepts 65.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of California-Riverside or University of California-Santa Cruz more affordable?

University of California-Riverside, on average. After aid, students pay $14,562/year versus $18,059/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. University of California-Riverside is at 76%; University of California-Santa Cruz is at 75%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.