JMU vs UC Santa Cruz
How JMU and UC Santa Cruz stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| JMU | UC Santa Cruz | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 72% | 72.7% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1170-1340 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | VA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $33,276 | $43,077 |
| Average cost after aid | $17,500 | $16,526 |
| Supplemental essays | 2 | 4 |
- JMU is harder to get into than UC Santa Cruz (72% versus 72.7%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After financial aid, the two cost about the same on average ($17,500 versus $16,526 per year).
- On testing, JMU is test-optional while UC Santa Cruz is test-blind.
- UC Santa Cruz asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
JMU vs UC Santa Cruz FAQ
Is JMU or UC Santa Cruz harder to get into?
JMU is harder to get into, admitting about 72% of applicants versus 72.7% at UC Santa Cruz.
Is JMU or UC Santa Cruz cheaper?
After financial aid, JMU and UC Santa Cruz cost about the same, roughly $17,500 and $16,526 per year on average.
See your real chances at JMU and UC Santa Cruz.
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