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College Roadmap · Family ROI Report
UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Prepared for Sample Student · Santa Cruz, CA
Best-case 4-yr offset
$115,300
AP savings + Sabatte Family Scholarship
Typical 4-yr offset
$71,624
AP + avg merit × 4 · 11% receive merit
Need-based (if eligible)
up to $85,752 / 4 yrs
Admissions Reality
61.3%
Yield 10.4% · Test Blind
Annual Sticker Cost
$86,898
Net after avg aid: $65,460
AP Tuition Saved
$47,300
25 credits · 1.7 semester(s)

Admissions Profile

SAT Total (mid 50%)
—
ACT Composite
—
GPA
Not reported
Decision Plans
RD

Average GPA of 3.89

Cost Breakdown

Tuition$56,760
Fees$1,901
Room & board$21,477
Cost of Attendance (sticker)$86,898
Average need-based aid− $21,438
Net price (avg)$65,460

Merit Scholarship Opportunity

Regents Scholarship
$5,000 /yr
Sabatte Family Scholarship
$9,000–$17,000 /yr
Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award
$10,000 /yr

AP Investment & Return

Based on UC Santa Cruz's AP credit policy (min score 3, capped at 32 credits).

Edit AP profile
Calculus BC
+5 credits · $9,460
5
Chemistry
+5 credits · $9,460
5
Biology
+5 credits · $9,460
5
English Language
+5 credits · $9,460
4
US History
+5 credits · $9,460
4
Credits
25
Sem. saved
1.7
Saved
$47,300
College Board Recognition
AP Scholar with Distinction

Average score of 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3+ on 5 or more exams.

Say to the parent

"UC Santa Cruz is a fantastic choice for students who want a world-class education in a beautiful and supportive environment. The university is a leader in research and innovation, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers. UCSC is also a great value, as it is one of the most affordable universities in the UC system."

Say to the student

"UCSC is a place where you can be yourself and pursue your passions. The university has a vibrant and diverse community, and there are endless opportunities to get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities. You will also have the chance to learn from world-renowned faculty who are experts in their fields."

College Admissions Co-pilot · Sourced from CDS 2023-2024 + official school financial aid & AP credit policy pagesUpdated 2026-04-22