UC Santa Cruz spotlighted for value, diversity, and veterans services

Annual 'U.S. News and World Report' Best Colleges rankings moves UCSC up three spots

Campus tour at UC Santa Cruz
Prospective students and their parents take part in a campus tour at UC Santa Cruz, ranked 34 among top public universities for 2016.

UC Santa Cruz is highlighted on lists for best value, best ethnic diversity, and best for veterans in the latest U.S. News and World Report annual "Best Colleges" issue published today.

On overall rankings among 268 major national research universities, the magazine boosted UC Santa Cruz three places to 82 for 2016. The campus also placed 29th for best value with 52 percent of its students receiving grants based on need and an average discount of 61 percent off the total cost. UCSC placed 34th among top public schools.

With a campus population comprising 32 percent Hispanic/Latino students, UC Santa Cruz placed 12th in the nation and second after UCLA among other University of California campuses for best ethnic diversity. For veterans, UC Santa Cruz was listed as 67th out of 721 national colleges and universities based on academic quality and programs for vets.  

In addition, UC Santa Cruz is featured as one of 12 universities in a special section called “road trip” this year that highlights select universities in central Massachusetts, Minnesota and the San Francisco Bay area. It is scheduled to be published online Sept. 23 and in the printed Best Colleges guidebook due in stores Sept. 30.

The rankings can be found at http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges. Along with rankings, the site offers statistical profiles for each school, a college search function, and explanations of ranking methodologies.