University of California - Santa Cruz - Ratings, Reviews & Ranking

Santa Cruz, California, United States
3.9
Write a Review Subscribe

Overview
Area of Study
Level
Type of Student
Status When Reviewing
Gender

3.9
out of 5

Overall Score

9.1%

of those seeking jobs were employed in their area of study within 6 months of graduation.

25%

say the majority of the classes record their attendance.

69.6%

say they always feel safe on Campus

Academic Staff
5 Stars 30.8%
4 Stars 46.2%
3 Stars 23.1%
2 Stars 0%
1 Star 0%
Campus Facilities
5 Stars 11.5%
4 Stars 61.5%
3 Stars 23.1%
2 Stars 3.8%
1 Star 0%
Area of Study
5 Stars 53.8%
4 Stars 30.8%
3 Stars 11.5%
2 Stars 0%
1 Star 3.8%
Administrative Staff
5 Stars 42.9%
4 Stars 23.8%
3 Stars 28.6%
2 Stars 0%
1 Star 4.8%
Sports Facilities
5 Stars 21.1%
4 Stars 10.5%
3 Stars 26.3%
2 Stars 36.8%
1 Star 5.3%
Social Scene
5 Stars 23.8%
4 Stars 47.6%
3 Stars 19%
2 Stars 9.5%
1 Star 0%
Reviews
Area of Study
Level
Type of Student
Status When Reviewing
Gender
Eli
Area Of Study :
Engineering & Technology
Level :
Undergraduate
Type of Student :
Traditional
Status When Reviewing :
Graduated
Gender :
Male
Started Here In :
Sep, 2020
Specific Area of StudyHuman Computer Interaction
Did You Find a Job in Your Area of Study Within 6 Months of Graduation?No
Were You Happy with the Choice of Clubs and Societies Here?No
Were you happy with the food options available on Campus?No
Were you happy with the quality of the WiFi available on campus?Yes
Are there enough computer labs for all the students?Yes
Do you think you weekly living expenses were manageable for a student?No
Did the majority of your classes record your attendance?Yes
Were you satisfied with the student support services available on campus?No
Would You Recommend This Institute?Yes
Did you always feel safe on campus?Yes
" UCSC is honestly, a pretty niche school. It's really great for a specific type of person looking to study a life science like biology, chemistry, etc. The amount of support for STEM majors is insane, especially the sciences. Apart from the STEM majors though, the academic quality definitely dips. The arts are drastically in need of more funding - the theatre program is fun but unfortunately doesn't hold up to the same caliber as other schools in the UC system. A lot of the campus is scattered across beautiful fields and forests, which makes going to classes a lot more fun (but be prepared for a lot of hills). UCSC isn't a huge sports school, which honestly isn't a bad thing in my opinion - even though I know a lot of people care about that kind of thing. I was more interested in the academic opportunities and work opportunities, which definitely excelled. Advisors and clubs are very helpful at working with you to get internships, apprenticeships, and even graduate school admissions. Overall, it's a cool school, I'd definitely recommend it if you're into nature, some hippie culture, and a nice, chill, laid back vibe. "
8 Jul 2025
Academic Staff
Area of Study
Campus Facilities
Administrative Staff
Sports Facilities
Social Scene
Tim Moroz
Area Of Study :
Design
Level :
Undergraduate
Type of Student :
Traditional
Status When Reviewing :
Graduated
Gender :
Male
Started Here In :
2021
Personality Type:
Introvert
Campus AttendedSilicon Valley Extension
Specific Area of StudyUX Design Certificate program
Did You Find a Job in Your Area of Study Within 6 Months of Graduation?No
Do you think you weekly living expenses were manageable for a student?Yes
Did the majority of your classes record your attendance?Yes
Would You Recommend This Institute?Yes
" My experience taking classes in the UX Design certificate program was overall very positive. The entire program was online but I had many team projects and received lectures from professors. While I haven’t yet found an internship as a UX Designer due to personal circumstances I highly recommend the program to anyone interested in this growing field "
12 Jun 2023
Academic Staff
Area of Study
Campus Facilities
Administrative Staff
Sports Facilities
Social Scene
NoxiousDragoon
Area Of Study :
Other
Level :
Postgraduate
Type of Student :
Traditional
Status When Reviewing :
Graduated
Gender :
Male
Started Here In :
2018
Personality Type:
Introvert
Specific Area of StudyCognitive Science + Game Design
Were You Happy with the Choice of Clubs and Societies Here?Yes
Were you happy with the food options available on Campus?Yes
Were you happy with the quality of the WiFi available on campus?Yes
Are there enough computer labs for all the students?Yes
Do you think you weekly living expenses were manageable for a student?No
Did the majority of your classes record your attendance?No
Were you satisfied with the student support services available on campus?Yes
Would You Recommend This Institute?Yes
Did you always feel safe on campus?Yes
" Santa Cruz was a fantastic hidden gem located in the mountain area. The atmosphere isn't anything I've seen before at previous colleges, and was great. The only downside is Santa Cruz itself is a small town, so there isn't too much to do. "
31 Aug 2022
Academic Staff
Area of Study
Campus Facilities
Administrative Staff
Sports Facilities
Social Scene
Lisa
Area Of Study :
Arts & Humanities
Level :
Postgraduate
Type of Student :
Traditional
Status When Reviewing :
Graduated
Gender :
Female
Started Here In :
2014
Personality Type:
Introvert
Did You Find a Job in Your Area of Study Within 6 Months of Graduation?No
Were You Happy with the Choice of Clubs and Societies Here?No
Were you happy with the food options available on Campus?No
Were you happy with the quality of the WiFi available on campus?No
Are there enough computer labs for all the students?Yes
Do you think you weekly living expenses were manageable for a student?No
Did the majority of your classes record your attendance?Yes
Were you satisfied with the student support services available on campus?Yes
Would You Recommend This Institute?No
Did you always feel safe on campus?Yes
" The campus was nice and the people were nice. The biggest disadvantage was that they did not prepare you for job searching or relevant skills. A lot of my friends and I couldn't find high paying jobs with just our degrees. Most of us had to take additional courses form other places or online to specialize in something. Also so much f**king walking. "
28 Aug 2022
Academic Staff
Area of Study
Campus Facilities
Administrative Staff
Sports Facilities
Social Scene
Astrally
Area Of Study :
Computing & IT
Level :
Postgraduate
Type of Student :
Traditional
Status When Reviewing :
Student
Gender :
Female
Started Here In :
2020
Personality Type:
Introvert
Campus AttendedSilicon Valley Campus
Specific Area of StudyComputer Science
Were You Happy with the Choice of Clubs and Societies Here?Yes
Were you happy with the food options available on Campus?No
Were you happy with the quality of the WiFi available on campus?Yes
Are there enough computer labs for all the students?Yes
Did the majority of your classes record your attendance?No
Were you satisfied with the student support services available on campus?Yes
Would You Recommend This Institute?Yes
Did you always feel safe on campus?Yes
" The program coursework is informative and allows opportunities for growth. Most of the academic staff are kind and very knowledgeable. Classes in the graduate classes are very small, so you get a chance to connect with peers and mentors. There are many networking events and the proximity to Silicon Valley makes it an ideal location for technology-related majors. Other than professional events, there are many social activities and events. Most students are easy to get along with; however, there are occasionally peers who can come off as condescending. I've only had one bad experience with a professor. Another downside is that there is a lack of transportation to their satellite campus. Overall, UC Santa Cruz is an ideal place to foster a passion for learning. "
18 Feb 2022
Academic Staff
Area of Study
Campus Facilities
Administrative Staff
Sports Facilities
Social Scene