UC Santa Cruz vs Houston
How UC Santa Cruz and Houston stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| UC Santa Cruz | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 72.7% | 74% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | Not reported | 1140-1360 |
| Testing policy | Test-blind | Test-optional |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | CA | TX |
| Sticker price (per year) | $43,077 | $27,484 |
| Average cost after aid | $16,526 | $16,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 4 | 1 |
- UC Santa Cruz is harder to get into than Houston (72.7% versus 74%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After financial aid, the two cost about the same on average ($16,526 versus $16,200 per year).
- On testing, UC Santa Cruz is test-blind while Houston is test-optional.
- UC Santa Cruz asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), 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.
UC Santa Cruz vs Houston FAQ
Is UC Santa Cruz or Houston harder to get into?
UC Santa Cruz is harder to get into, admitting about 72.7% of applicants versus 74% at Houston.
Is UC Santa Cruz or Houston cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Santa Cruz and Houston cost about the same, roughly $16,526 and $16,200 per year on average.
See your real chances at UC Santa Cruz and Houston.
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