Leading at the intersection of innovation and social justice.
A global research university with an uncommon emphasis on undergraduate research and education, UC Santa Cruz is part of the world’s most celebrated system of public higher education, and stands among the most renowned institutions of higher learning.
News
New funding supports program to train future physicians for the Central Coast
New state funding is helping to advance the UC Programs in Medical Education Central Coast (PRIME Central Coast), a partnership between UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis. PRIME Central Coast is currently recruiting for its inaugural cohort of medical students, who will begin their training in 2027.
Monitoring project explores how wetlands sequester carbon and improve air quality
UC Santa Cruz scientists have installed sophisticated monitoring towers at two contrasting wetlands in Southern California. The data they collect will help guide the California Air Resources Board’s work on nature-based solutions to climate change and air quality.
UC Santa Cruz announces two-year housing guarantee for new undergraduate students
UC Santa Cruz will provide two years of guaranteed university housing for incoming first-year and transfer students. The expanded housing commitment was made possible by years of thoughtful planning and intentional investment in expanding student housing.
Inspiring Change: The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz
Inspiring Change supports the entire university and spotlights its work on advancing five interconnected themes.
To lead means
Creating real change
Students at UC Santa Cruz learn from incredible faculty, develop new skills through hands-on research opportunities, and have a track record of making an impact. What kind of a pathbreaker, innovator, or changemaker will you become?
Serving our society
World-class researchers at UC Santa Cruz unlock mysteries and help to transform our world, addressing some of our most pressing needs—from decoding cancer to protecting our natural environment to creating art that challenges assumptions. What will you contribute?
Shaping our future
A global community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, we are committed to climate and economic resiliency for our local and coastal environments through multidisciplinary research, and sustainable and equitable practices.
Become a Banana Slug, and lead the change.
Get ready for your future
UC Santa Cruz graduates are sought after for their knowledge, skills, and passion. Whether you plan to start working right away, or pursue graduate school or professional school, your UC Santa Cruz degree will help you on your way.
See for yourself
One of the most extraordinary campuses in the world, UC Santa Cruz pairs high-impact research with 10 residential colleges—offering students the experience of a small liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.
Here to help
A UC degree is worth it—and we can help you pay for it. Our financial aid program is one of the best out there. It supports students in all kinds of ways, whatever their background—with grants, scholarships, low-interest loans, and more.
Your journey awaits.
When you become a Banana Slug, you join a community of artists, innovators, creators,
and justice seekers united in using their voices to change the world.