The University of California Schools: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you were born and raised in California or you are looking to move to a sunnier location for college, the University of California schools offer incredible options for students interested in attending research-heavy national universities close to the Pacific Ocean. With nine campuses offering undergraduate admission, you can find one or more UC schools that fit your interests, location preferences, and goals.
The UC system has long been a leader in research and innovation. Faculty across the system have been awarded Nobel Prizes, and UC researchers played a role in the invention of vaccines, the discovery of Vitamin E, and the development of the first wetsuit. If you are drawn to the humanities, arts, or social sciences, the UC system also offers renowned programs in those fields. Alumni range from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (UCLA) to Alice Sebold (UC Irvine) to Chris Pine (UC Berkeley). Below, we will outline which schools are in the system, what makes each campus unique, the academic opportunities they provide, and how to navigate the UC application.
What Are the University of California Schools?
Nine UC campuses admit undergraduates:
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UC Berkeley
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UC Davis
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UC Irvine
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UCLA
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UC Merced
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UC Riverside
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UC San Diego
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UC Santa Barbara
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UC Santa Cruz
UC San Francisco is part of the system but only admits graduate and professional students.
The table below shows the U.S. News 2024 rankings and acceptance rates for each UC campus:
| School Name | US News Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 15 | 8% |
| UC Berkeley | 15 | 11% |
| UC San Diego | 28 | 24% |
| UC Davis | 28 | 37% |
| UC Irvine | 33 | 21% |
| UC Santa Barbara | 35 | 29% |
| UC Riverside | 76 | 47% |
| UC Santa Cruz | 82 | 47% |
| UC Merced | 60 | 89% |
As you can see, not all UC schools are equally selective. UCLA and UC Berkeley are the toughest to get into, while campuses like UC Riverside and UC Merced admit a much larger percentage of applicants. Admission rates have become more competitive in recent years. For instance, UCLA’s admit rate was nearly 19% a decade ago but has since fallen to single digits.
What Sets the UC Campuses Apart?
All UC schools share large research budgets, strong faculty, and diverse academic offerings, but campus culture and size vary.
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UCLA is the largest campus with more than 46,000 students and a fast-paced environment tied to Los Angeles industries like entertainment, healthcare, and business.
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UC Merced is the newest and smallest campus, with under 8,000 students. Founded in 2005, its mission is to expand access for first-generation and underrepresented students.
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UC Berkeley is known for academic rigor, social activism, and access to Silicon Valley and Bay Area industries.
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UC Santa Barbara has a relaxed, beach-centered environment with a strong social scene.
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UC Santa Cruz is located near nature preserves and redwood forests, offering a quieter setting.
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UC Davis is surrounded by farmland and has a dominant biking culture across its 5,300-acre campus.
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UC Irvine is close to the Pacific Ocean and Southern California beaches, blending academics with easy access to surfing and hiking.
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UC San Diego sits along the coast with six distinct colleges that shape student experiences and a major hub for science and biotechnology research.
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UC Riverside offers strong community engagement and proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood.
Unique Academic Opportunities
Most UC campuses operate on a quarter system, allowing students to take more courses each year. Berkeley uses semesters. Each UC campus has unique academic strengths and programs.
| School Name | Unique Opportunities |
|---|---|
| UCLA | More than 125 majors across six schools including engineering, nursing, theater, and film. Students can start research as early as freshman year. |
| UC Berkeley | Six undergraduate colleges including the Haas School of Business. Notable programs in environmental design, chemistry, and data science. Faculty include Nobel laureates and MacArthur fellows. |
| UC Irvine | More than 90 programs. Unique majors include Computer Game Science and Literary Journalism. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program allows every student to do research. |
| UC San Diego | Six-college system offers different academic emphases. Research hubs include the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Sanford Stem Cell Center. |
| UC Santa Barbara | Strong in creative studies and engineering. Faculty oversee $200M+ in annual research funding. Majors range from Zoology to Public Policy. |
| UC Davis | Strength in agricultural and environmental sciences. Extensive internship program with more than 10,000 partners. Research facilities include the Genome Center and Tahoe Environmental Research Center. |
| UC Riverside | Offers unique majors like Entomology and Digital Production. Strong STEM outreach programs connecting K–12 schools. |
| UC Santa Cruz | Known for programs in games, linguistics, and robotics. Partnerships with the Center for Emerging Worlds and Archaeological Research Center. |
| UC Merced | Offers majors in engineering, natural sciences, and ethnic studies. Partnerships with Yosemite National Park create a natural research laboratory. |
Applying to the UC System
The UC system uses its own application portal, not the Common Application or Coalition Application. Applications are due by November 30 each year. The UC application requires:
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Personal information
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Activities and awards
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Test scores (optional for now)
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Four Personal Insight essays out of eight prompts
Unlike many applications, UC does not require letters of recommendation for most applicants, though some individual campuses may request them later.
Applicants can apply to one or all UC schools with a single application. Nearly 90% of undergraduates are California residents.
The median test score ranges for admitted students are listed below:
| School Name | Median SAT Range | Median ACT Range |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 1360–1550 | 31–35 |
| UC Berkeley | 1380–1560 | 32–35 |
| UC San Diego | 1300–1520 | 28–34 |
| UC Davis | 1230–1460 | 28–33 |
| UC Irvine | 1310–1510 | 28–34 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 1270–1500 | 28–34 |
| UC Riverside | 1130–1380 | 22–30 |
| UC Santa Cruz | 1210–1450 | 26–32 |
| UC Merced | 1020–1280 | 19–27 |
UC Tuition
Tuition varies by campus and by residency status. California residents pay much less than out-of-state students.
| School Name | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | $15,700 | $48,400 |
| UC Berkeley | $17,500 | $50,900 |
| UC San Diego | $15,800 | $46,900 |
| UC Davis | $15,600 | $47,200 |
| UC Irvine | $15,900 | $47,400 |
| UC Santa Barbara | $15,800 | $47,200 |
| UC Riverside | $15,600 | $46,900 |
| UC Santa Cruz | $15,800 | $47,200 |
| UC Merced | $15,700 | $47,300 |
In-state students save tens of thousands of dollars each year compared to out-of-state peers. High-achieving California residents may also qualify for the UC system’s Eligibility in the Local Context program, which boosts applications for students in the top 9% of their high school.
Putting It All Together
The UC schools are some of the most respected public universities in the world. They offer diverse settings, world-class faculty, and opportunities across every field. From the bustling energy of UCLA to the small, research-focused environment at UC Merced, there is a campus that can match your goals.
Take the next step toward joining the UC system. Our Former Admissions Officers can help you craft a strong UC application, from your Personal Insight essays to your activities list. Schedule a free consultation today and put yourself in the best position to succeed.