UC Berkeley: World-Renowned Public Research University | Rankings, Admissions & Campus Life

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), founded in 1868, is a premier public research university and the flagship campus of the University of California system. Renowned globally for academic excellence and social activism, Berkeley has played a pivotal role in historic movements like the Free Speech Movement and the Indian Independence Movement. It boasts top-ranked programs in fields such as computer science, engineering, and business, with notable research impacts in health, AI, climate, and energy.

The campus houses over 42,000 students from diverse backgrounds and has a highly selective admissions process. With a vibrant campus culture, iconic architecture, and a legacy of producing Nobel laureates and influential alumni across various sectors, UC Berkeley remains a leader in higher education, innovation, and public service.

University of California, Berkeley: Rankings, Admissions, & Campus Life

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), often referred to simply as “Berkeley” or “Cal,” is a public research university located in Berkeley, California. Founded in 1868, it is the flagship institution of the ten research universities under the University of California system and holds a prestigious position among the world’s leading academic institutions.

History and Founding

The genesis of UC Berkeley can be traced back to the California state constitution of October 13, 1849, which envisioned a public university. On March 23, 1868, Governor Henry H. Haight signed the Organic Act, formally establishing the University of California. This new institution inherited the land and facilities of the private College of California and gained eligibility for federal funding as a public agricultural, mining, and mechanical arts college. The university officially opened its doors in September 1869, initially using the former College of California’s buildings in Oakland as a temporary home. The Berkeley campus officially opened in 1873.

Notable early contributors to the university’s development include Phoebe Apperson Hearst, who made significant gifts for programs, an architectural competition, and building construction (Hearst Memorial Mining Building, Hearst Hall), and Levi Strauss, who endowed scholarships. The university’s colors, blue and gold, were chosen in 1873, symbolizing the California sky and ocean (blue, influenced by Yale graduates who helped found the institution) and the “Golden State” (gold).

Berkeley has a rich history of intellectual and social movements. During the 1960s and 1970s, it became a global symbol of student activism, particularly known for the Free Speech Movement of 1964 and protests against the Vietnam War. It also played a significant role in the Indian Independence Movement in the 1910s, with Indian students forming the Ghadar Party on campus.

Academics and Research

UC Berkeley is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking research across a vast array of disciplines. It is home to world-renowned research institutes such as the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the Space Sciences Laboratory.

The university is structured into various colleges and schools, including:

1. College of Letters and Science
2. College of Computing, Data Science, and Society
3. College of Chemistry
4. College of Engineering
5. College of Environmental Design
6. Rausser College of Natural Resources
7. Haas School of Business

Popular undergraduate majors include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Cell and Molecular Biology. The university offers a wide range of programs, from traditional liberal arts to cutting-edge STEM fields.

Berkeley is consistently ranked among the top research universities globally, attracting close to a billion dollars annually in external research funding. Its faculty and researchers have made profound contributions to various fields. Key research areas and impacts include:

• Health: Discovering new treatments for genetic diseases, cancer, blinding eye disorders, and neurological conditions, as well as advancing public health policy.
• Data Science, AI, and Robotics: Pushing the boundaries of digital innovation and shaping how society interacts with technology, including ethical frameworks for AI.
• Energy, Climate, and Environment: Developing affordable, sustainable, and clean energy solutions, designing earthquake-resistant structures, and creating technologies for carbon capture and plastic reclamation.
• Basic Needs: Innovating solutions for clean water, healthy food, and affordable housing.

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, founded in 1931 by Nobel laureate Ernest Orlando Lawrence, is closely affiliated with UC Berkeley and has been instrumental in numerous scientific breakthroughs, including the invention of the cyclotron.

Rankings

UC Berkeley consistently earns top rankings from various reputable organizations:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: #12 globally.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: #8 globally and #1 public university in the U.S.
• U.S. News & World Report: Ranked #2 public university in the U U.S. and #17 nationally among all institutions (2025). Globally, it is often ranked among the top 5-10.

Many of its individual departments and programs are also highly ranked:

• Computer Science: Consistently in the top 10 globally.
• Engineering: Consistently in the top 10 globally across various disciplines like Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Business and Economics: Haas School of Business consistently ranks among the top business schools worldwide.
• Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities: All frequently place in the top 10 or 20 globally.

Notable Achievements and Laureates

UC Berkeley boasts an exceptional number of Nobel laureates, Turing Award recipients, Fields Medalists, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of prestigious national academies. As of recent data, Berkeley faculty have won 19 Nobel Prizes, primarily in physics, chemistry, and economics.

Notable Alumni

Berkeley’s alumni network is vast and influential, including leaders in various fields:

• Science and Technology: Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple), Eric Schmidt (former Google CEO), J. Paul Getty (industrialist).
• Literature and Arts: Jack London (novelist), Joan Didion (author), Gregory Peck (Oscar-winning actor).
• Politics and Public Service: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan), Jerry Brown (former Governor of California), Barbara Lee (U.S. Representative).
• Sports: Alex Morgan (Women’s World Cup-winning US footballer), Aaron Rodgers (NFL quarterback), Jason Kidd (NBA player).
• Other: Daniel Kahneman (Nobel laureate in Economics), Rube Goldberg (cartoonist and engineer), Julia Morgan (architect).

Student Body and Demographics

UC Berkeley is a large and diverse university.

Total Enrollment: Approximately 42,423 students, with about 27,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 postgraduate students (as of THE data). Other sources indicate over 29,000 undergraduates and over 9,500 graduate students.

Gender Ratio: Roughly 52% female and 48% male for the overall student body.

Racial/Ethnic Diversity: The enrolled student population is diverse, with significant percentages of Asian (approx. 30.8%), White (approx. 22%), Hispanic or Latino (approx. 18.5%), and Two or More Races (approx. 5.71%) students. International students make up approximately 25% of the total student body.

Geographic Diversity: While a large percentage of students are from California (around 79% of applicants in a recent cycle), the university also draws students from across the U.S. (approx. 15.46% out-of-state) and 129 countries globally (approx. 10.49% international), with China, South Korea, and India being major contributors.

Admissions

Admission to UC Berkeley is highly competitive.

Overall Acceptance Rate: For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was approximately 11.0%. This has seen a downward trend from 14.5% for the Class of 2025, indicating increasing selectivity.

International Student Acceptance Rate: Even more competitive, dropping to around 3.38% for international applicants in a recent cycle.

GPA: Admitted students typically have very strong academic records, with unweighted GPAs around 3.8-4.0 and weighted GPAs above 4.0, often including rigorous AP or IB coursework.

Test Scores (Test-Optional): While test-optional, historically admitted students often had SAT scores between 1300 and 1530 and ACT scores between 30 and 34.

Holistic Review: UC Berkeley emphasizes a holistic admissions process, considering GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, and personal insight essays in addition to test scores (if submitted).

Campus Life

The UC Berkeley campus spans approximately 1,232 acres in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is known for its vibrant campus life and unique blend of academic rigor and social engagement.

Architecture: The campus features many Beaux-Arts-style buildings, with some recognized as California Historical Landmarks. Notable structures include Sather Gate, Sather Tower, Wheeler Hall (home to the largest lecture hall), and South Hall (the oldest extant building).

Housing: UC Berkeley offers various on-campus housing options for first-year, transfer, and continuing students, including residence halls with theme programs, and family student housing. Many students also opt for off-campus living or student co-ops.

Culture and Activities: Students can participate in a wide array of sports, clubs, and societies covering diverse interests. Campus attractions include the Botanic Garden, the California Memorial Stadium (capacity 60,000), the Lawrence Hall of Science, and the Greek Theatre, which hosts concerts and events. Sproul Plaza is considered the social heart of the campus.

Tradition: The Golden Bear is the symbol of Berkeley’s sports teams. The university has a strong sporting prowess, demonstrated by its graduates winning numerous medals in major international competitions, including 17 at the 2012 London Olympics.

UC Berkeley continues to be a global leader in education, research, and public service, consistently shaping intellectual discourse and contributing to advancements across various fields.

FAQs about UC Berkeley

What is UC Berkeley known for?
UC Berkeley is known for its academic excellence, pioneering research, historic activism, and producing influential alumni across various fields.

When was UC Berkeley founded?
UC Berkeley was founded in 1868 following the Organic Act signed by Governor Henry H. Haight.

Where is UC Berkeley located?
UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Is UC Berkeley a public or private university?
UC Berkeley is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of California system.

How many students attend UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley enrolls approximately 42,423 students, including over 27,000 undergraduates and more than 10,000 graduate students.

What is the acceptance rate at UC Berkeley?
The overall acceptance rate is around 11%, with international applicants facing a more competitive rate of about 3.4%.

What are the most popular majors at UC Berkeley?
Popular majors include Computer Science, Economics, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Engineering disciplines.

How is UC Berkeley ranked globally?
UC Berkeley ranks #12 globally by QS, #8 by Times Higher Education, and #2 among U.S. public universities by U.S. News & World Report (2025).

Does UC Berkeley have a strong research program?
Yes, UC Berkeley receives nearly $1 billion annually in research funding and is affiliated with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

What is the student demographic at UC Berkeley?
The student body is diverse: 30.8% Asian, 22% White, 18.5% Latino, 5.7% multiracial, and 25% international students from 129 countries.

What are UC Berkeley’s top-ranked programs?
UC Berkeley is especially strong in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences, often ranking in the global top 10.

Who are some notable alumni of UC Berkeley?
Notable alumni include Steve Wozniak (Apple co-founder), Joan Didion (author), Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistani leader), and Alex Morgan (soccer star).

How many Nobel Prizes has UC Berkeley won?
As of recent counts, Berkeley faculty and alumni have won 19 Nobel Prizes, primarily in physics, chemistry, and economics.

What is UC Berkeley’s campus like?
The 1,232-acre campus features Beaux-Arts architecture, historic landmarks, research labs, and scenic views of the Bay Area.

What kind of housing does UC Berkeley offer?
UC Berkeley offers residence halls for first-year and transfer students, themed housing, family student housing, and access to student co-ops.

What are some famous campus landmarks?
Notable landmarks include Sather Tower (Campanile), Sproul Plaza, Wheeler Hall, South Hall, and the Greek Theatre.

What is the mascot and symbol of UC Berkeley?
The mascot is the Golden Bear, and the school colors are blue and gold.

Does UC Berkeley have a strong sports tradition?
Yes, UC Berkeley has a rich athletic history, with Olympic medalists and championship teams across multiple sports.

What are the application requirements for UC Berkeley?
Applicants are reviewed holistically, considering GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, and personal insight essays. Test scores are optional.

What GPA is needed for UC Berkeley admission?
Admitted students typically have unweighted GPAs around 3.8–4.0 and weighted GPAs above 4.0, often with AP or IB coursework.

Is UC Berkeley test-optional?
Yes, UC Berkeley does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission but will consider them if submitted.

What is the international student population at UC Berkeley?
International students make up about 25% of the student body, with large contingents from China, India, and South Korea.

Does UC Berkeley offer financial aid?
Yes, UC Berkeley offers need-based and merit-based financial aid to eligible domestic and international students.

What research institutes are affiliated with UC Berkeley?
Notable institutes include the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, Space Sciences Lab, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

How diverse is UC Berkeley’s student body?
UC Berkeley is one of the most diverse top-tier universities in the U.S., with students from across all racial, ethnic, and national backgrounds.

What are the main colleges within UC Berkeley?
Berkeley includes colleges such as Letters & Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Computing/Data Science, Haas Business, and Natural Resources.

How does UC Berkeley support student life?
The university offers hundreds of clubs, student organizations, cultural groups, sports, and student support services.

Is UC Berkeley politically active?
Yes, Berkeley has a strong history of political and social activism, especially during the 1960s Free Speech and anti-war movements.

What is Sproul Plaza known for?
Sproul Plaza is the social and political heart of campus, often hosting rallies, events, performances, and student activities.

What is Berkeley’s motto?
UC Berkeley’s motto is Fiat Lux, which means “Let there be light.”

UC Berkeley stands as a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and social impact. With a legacy rooted in groundbreaking discoveries, global influence, and bold activism, it continues to shape future leaders and advance knowledge across disciplines. Its diverse student body, world-class faculty, and vibrant campus life make it one of the most respected and dynamic institutions of higher education in the world.