University of California-Santa Cruz vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Santa Cruz, CA — Cambridge, MA

Metric
University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Location Santa Cruz, CA Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 17,940 4,535
Acceptance Rate 65.8% 4.5%
SAT Average 1,560
In-State Tuition $16,005 $62,396
Out-of-State Tuition $50,205 $62,396
Avg Net Price $17,890 $20,111
Median Debt at Graduation $16,666 $14,768
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.8% 96.2%
Retention Rate 87.9% 99.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,716 $131,633
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,396 $143,372
Loan Repayment Rate 552700.0% 58700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Santa Cruz and Massachusetts Institute of Technology compare?
University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA) has an acceptance rate of 65.8%, in-state tuition of $16,005, and median 10-year earnings of $68,396. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, in-state tuition of $62,396, and median 10-year earnings of $143,372.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Cruz or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $143,372 vs $68,396. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Cruz or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Santa Cruz is the more affordable option at $17,890 per year versus $20,111.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.2% vs 74.8%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025