University of California-Santa Cruz vs Williams College

Santa Cruz, CA — Williamstown, MA

Metric
University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Williams College
Williamstown, MA
Location Santa Cruz, CA Williamstown, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 17,940 2,076
Acceptance Rate 65.8% 8.3%
SAT Average 1,533
In-State Tuition $16,005 $68,560
Out-of-State Tuition $50,205 $68,560
Avg Net Price $17,890 $17,716
Median Debt at Graduation $16,666 $12,761
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.8% 95.1%
Retention Rate 87.9% 96.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $49,716 $71,754
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,396 $88,665
Loan Repayment Rate 552700.0% 25800.0%

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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Williams College
Williamstown, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of California-Santa Cruz and Williams College 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. Williams College (Williamstown, MA) has an acceptance rate of 8.3%, in-state tuition of $68,560, and median 10-year earnings of $88,665.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Cruz or Williams College?
Williams College graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $88,665 vs $68,396. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Cruz or Williams College?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Williams College is the more affordable option at $17,716 per year versus $17,890.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.1% 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