Campus News
UC Santa Cruz joins Western Undergraduate Exchange, expanding access for out-of-state students
High-achieving students from Western states who apply for fall 2027 may qualify for reduced out-of-state tuition at UC Santa Cruz. Students should apply by November 30 to be considered.
Jacinto Salz/UC Santa Cruz
The University of California, Santa Cruz, is joining the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) regional tuition savings program, opening new opportunities for high-achieving first-year and transfer students across the West to pursue a world-renowned University of California education. The program begins fall 2027.
Through WUE, selected students will pay less than the typical out-of-state tuition at UC Santa Cruz. All eligible applicants will automatically be considered for WUE. No separate application is required.
“A premier UC education is now within reach for more students across the West,” said Timetra Hampton, associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and director of Undergraduate Admissions at UC Santa Cruz. “We know there are students and families who would love the opportunity to attend UC Santa Cruz but have ruled it out because of cost. The tuition savings through WUE make that possible for more students.”
A top-ranked public research university adjacent to Silicon Valley, UC Santa Cruz is known for groundbreaking discoveries and bold solutions. UC Santa Cruz combines academic excellence with an undergraduate experience spanning research, social impact, and creative scholarship. Students learn directly from leading faculty and build career skills through hands-on experiences and professional opportunities beyond the classroom.
A new two-year housing guarantee offers incoming first-year and transfer students an extended living and learning experience on campus to build community, connection, and belonging through the university’s 10 residential colleges.
The program advances UC Santa Cruz’s broader commitment to affordability through financial aid, scholarships, and initiatives that reduce financial barriers for students.
Each year, UC Santa Cruz will select WUE recipients through a competitive review of applicants’ academic and personal achievements. Prospective first-year and transfer students from participating Western states and territories are encouraged to apply to UC Santa Cruz for fall 2027 by November 30.
Learn more about WUE tuition savings and eligibility.