Since its inception in 1965, the University of California, Santa Cruz, has been dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education, graduate studies, and research. UCSC students can take advantage of innovative academic planning combined with the research resources and scholarship strengths of the University of California system. At UC Santa Cruz, a program of general education is enhanced with opportunities for academic specialization.

Named to the 2017 US News & World report top 50 Best Global Universities, UC Santa Cruz has earned national and international recognition both for the impact of its research and for its long-established commitment to quality undergraduate instruction.

A campus with world-class facilities and one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education, UC Santa Cruz provides unparalleled opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experience. A commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement are also central to UCSC's core values.

Faculty include two of the University of California’s honored University Professors, 22 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 10 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 34 members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.