Explore the Colleges
Communities of Learning
At UC Santa Cruz, every undergraduate student belongs to one of 10 residential colleges. These small, welcoming communities offer academic support, host events and activities, and help make the campus feel more personal and connected.
Your college affiliation is separate from your major, and each college includes students with a wide range of academic interests. Whether you live on campus or commute, your college provides a home base for community and support.
Each college has its own theme, identity, and a core course that helps new students build critical thinking and writing skills. You’ll have a chance to rank your college preferences when you accept your admission offer. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll be part of a dynamic and inclusive learning community.
UC Santa Cruz colleges in order of their founding:
Cowell College
Founded in 1965 as a bold experiment to reshape higher education, Cowell College was the first residential college at UC Santa Cruz. Rooted in community and collective inquiry, Cowell blends tradition with innovation—home to the historic Cowell Press, the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery, and a hands-on core course exploring justice and ethics. With a motto of “The pursuit of truth in the company of friends,” Cowell offers students a place to think deeply, act creatively, and build a community grounded in mutual support.
- Founded: 1965
- Cowell College website
- Scenic video of Cowell College
- Slugcast podcast about Cowell College
Stevenson College
Founded in 1966, Stevenson College is one of the original residential colleges at UC Santa Cruz. Rooted in self-understanding and community engagement, Stevenson offers a dynamic environment where students from diverse fields and backgrounds come together. Home to the two-quarter core course “Self and Society,” Stevenson fosters critical inquiry, dialogue, and active citizenship. Stevenson provides a supportive community where students can think broadly, engage deeply, and grow both personally and academically.
- Founded: 1966
- Stevenson College website
- Scenic video of Stevenson College
- Slugcast podcast about Stevenson College
Crown College
Founded in 1967 as UC Santa Cruz’s third residential college, Crown College explores the relationship between science, technology, and society. With a theme of “Science and Technology in Society,” Crown encourages students to think critically about innovation, ethics, and impact. Home to the interdisciplinary core course Ethical and Political Issues in Emerging Technologies, Crown fosters open dialogue, academic curiosity, and a strong sense of community.
- Founded: 1967
- Crown College website
- Scenic video of Crown College
- Slugcast podcast about Crown College
Merrill College
Founded in 1968, Merrill College is dedicated to exploring cultural identities and raising global consciousness. Rooted in social responsibility and critical inquiry, Merrill challenges students to engage deeply with diverse perspectives and take meaningful action in the world. Merrill fosters respect for all cultures and supports students in developing their own voices. With a strong tradition of academic excellence across disciplines, Merrill inspires students to think critically, act compassionately, and build a more just and inclusive society.
- Founded: 1968
- Merrill College website
- Scenic video of Merrill College
- Slugcast podcast about Merrill College
Porter College
Founded in 1969, Porter College fosters creativity, critical inquiry, and achievement across all fields of study. With a special dedication to the arts, Porter encourages students to explore bold ideas, embrace discovery, and engage deeply with their work and communities. Home to an interdisciplinary core course and vibrant seminar offerings, Porter cultivates rigorous thinking, hands-on learning, and creative expression. Located in a lively community known for its spirit of innovation, Porter inspires students to think expansively, create fearlessly, and make a meaningful impact.
- Founded: 1969
- Porter College website
- Scenic video of Porter College
- Slugcast podcast about Porter College
Kresge College
Founded in 1971, Kresge College was built on ideals of collaboration, creativity, and participatory democracy. Nestled in the redwoods, Kresge offers a small-college experience that fosters personal growth, intellectual exploration, and a strong sense of community. Through a curriculum rooted in purposeful living and creative problem-solving, Kresge challenges students to engage with the natural world and address pressing social, political, and ecological issues. With a spirit of innovation and inclusion, Kresge empowers students to live, learn, and lead with intention.
- Founded: 1971
- Kresge College website
- Scenic video of Kresge College
- Slugcast podcast about Kresge College
Oakes College
Founded in 1972, Oakes College is a vibrant multicultural community committed to social justice, academic excellence, and freedom from oppression. Situated at the edge of UCSC’s natural preserve, Oakes supports students from all backgrounds as they engage with the arts, sciences, humanities, and engineering. At the heart of the college is the core course Communicating Diversity for a Just Society, which invites students to examine race, identity, and equity through the lens of higher education. At Oakes, difference is not a barrier—it’s a foundation for learning, growth, and meaningful change.
- Founded: 1972
- Oakes College website
- Scenic video of Oakes College
- Slugcast podcast about Oakes College
Rachel Carson College
Founded in 1972 and renamed in 2016 in honor of pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson, Rachel Carson College is a hub for students passionate about sustainability, social justice, and environmental stewardship. Home to the core course Environment and Society and the interdisciplinary Sustainability Studies minor, the college invites students from all majors to engage in hands-on, real-world projects that address urgent global challenges. Guided by a commitment to equity and experiential learning, Rachel Carson College empowers students to think critically, act responsibly, and drive meaningful change for a more just and sustainable world.
College Nine
Founded in 2000, College Nine is rooted in the theme of International and Global Perspectives, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with an interconnected world. With a focus on cultural competency and leadership, College Nine offers a range of academic and co-curricular opportunities that explore global issues and foster dynamic citizenship. At College Nine, students join a vibrant community dedicated to global understanding, collaboration, and positive change.
- Founded: 2000
- College Nine website
- Scenic video of College Nine
John R. Lewis College
Founded in 2002, John R. Lewis College is rooted in the theme of Social Justice and Community, inspiring students to think critically, honor diverse identities, and become agents of change. Through academic and co-curricular programs, the college fosters deep engagement with issues like inequality, discrimination, and environmental justice. With a motto of “justice for all,” John R. Lewis College builds a vibrant, supportive community where students learn, lead, and act with purpose.
- Founded: 2002
- John R. Lewis College website
- Scenic video of John R. Lewis College
- Slugcast about John R. Lewis College
Academic Mission and Core Values
Colleges’ academic mission statement
At UC Santa Cruz, our 10 colleges form diverse and inclusive living and learning communities that empower holistic student growth. The colleges integrate academics with community engagement and beyond-the-classroom experiences to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and build a foundation for academic exploration and personal development.
Core Values
Belonging
A community of belonging
Growth
Foundation for academic growth and self-empowerment
Exploration
Exploration across academic disciplines
Holistic
Holistic development through experiences outside the classroom
News
Keep up with the latest from UC Santa Cruz’s ten colleges. Find out what’s happening across our college communities, from student highlights and campus events to college traditions and community stories.
Events
UC Santa Cruz’s ten colleges offer a unique lineup of events and programs—from cultural celebrations and college nights to open mics and wellness activities.
Timeline & Traditions
Explore the timeline and traditions of each college to see how they’ve grown, celebrated, and created lasting impact across generations of Slugs.