UC Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

The University of California, Berkeley stands as America's greatest public university—a institution that combines world-class research with public mission accessibility. Founded in 1868 as the flagship of the University of California system, Berkeley consistently ranks among the top 5 public universities globally and top 15 overall. The university has produced 114 Nobel laureates, more than any public university worldwide. With approximately 45,000 students (32,000 undergraduates), Berkeley operates at a scale that dwarfs private elite universities while maintaining research intensity that matches them. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio reflects this large scale, though undergraduate education quality varies by department and course level. Berkeley's contributions span every field: the cyclotron, CRISPR gene editing, the Free Speech Movement, Unix and BSD operating systems, and foundational work in virtually every scientific discipline. Alumni include 25 Turing Award winners, Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and countless leaders in technology, public service, and academia. The campus culture blends academic intensity with political engagement and Bay Area progressivism. Berkeley pioneered student activism in the 1960s; that tradition continues today. Students arrive opinionated and engaged; the atmosphere rewards intellectual courage.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

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Tuition (Int'l): N/A

Student Life & Environment

Student life at UC Berkeley pulses with energy, activism, creativity, and endless opportunities for engagement in one of the world's most dynamic university communities. The campus enrolls approximately 45,000 students, creating a diverse community representing virtually every nation, culture, and perspective on earth. More than 1,000 student organizations span every conceivable interest, from academic and professional groups to cultural associations, political organizations, arts ensembles, and recreational clubs. Berkeley's athletic teams, the Golden Bears, compete in NCAA Division I and the prestigious Pac-12 Conference, with the annual Big Game against Stanford representing one of college football's great rivalries. The Greek system provides social connections and leadership opportunities for interested students, while independent alternatives including cooperative housing offer diverse pathways to community. Berkeley's tradition of student activism, born in the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s, continues through engagement with social justice causes and political participation. The arts flourish through student theater productions, musical ensembles, film screenings, and gallery exhibitions throughout campus. Recreation facilities include the Recreational Sports Facility and numerous intramural and club sports. The historic residence halls and newer housing options create residential communities within the larger university. Telegraph Avenue, adjacent to campus, offers eclectic shopping, diverse dining, and the distinctly Berkeley atmosphere that has defined the community for generations. The student experience at Berkeley is transformative, challenging, and unlike anything available elsewhere.

Location & Surroundings

Berkeley, California offers university students an unparalleled location in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the world's most innovative, diverse, and culturally rich metropolitan regions. The campus itself occupies stunning hillside terrain with views extending across San Francisco Bay to the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The city of Berkeley, immediately surrounding the campus, maintains a distinctive progressive character shaped by decades of intellectual ferment, social activism, and cultural innovation. San Francisco, just across the bay via BART rapid transit, provides world-class museums, theater, cuisine, and nightlife accessible within minutes. Silicon Valley's technology companies, venture capital firms, and startup ecosystem lie to the south, providing internship and career opportunities that connect academic preparation with professional practice. The region's Mediterranean climate permits year-round outdoor activity, from hiking in the East Bay hills to sailing on the bay to exploring the Pacific coastline. Cultural diversity characterizes the region, with communities representing every ethnic and cultural tradition offering authentic experiences and perspectives. Oakland, Berkeley's immediate neighbor, provides additional dining, entertainment, and cultural options at often more affordable prices. The natural environment surrounding the Bay Area includes Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore, Napa and Sonoma wine country, and countless other destinations for weekend exploration. This location places Berkeley students at the center of innovation, culture, and natural beauty.

Costs & Career Outcomes

UC Berkeley provides extraordinary value as a world-class research university with public university tuition, particularly for California residents who benefit from in-state rates that make elite education accessible. Total costs including tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses remain substantially below comparable private institutions while providing an education that equals or exceeds what those institutions offer. The university is committed to financial accessibility, with approximately two-thirds of undergraduates receiving some form of financial aid. California residents from families with modest incomes may qualify for the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, which covers tuition and fees for qualifying students. Need-based grants, work-study employment, and loan programs help students from all backgrounds afford a Berkeley education. Career preparation benefits from Berkeley's location in the innovation-driven Bay Area economy, with internship and employment opportunities at technology companies, financial institutions, consulting firms, and organizations across every sector. The Career Center provides comprehensive services including counseling, job fairs, alumni connections, and interview preparation. Berkeley's alumni network exceeds 500,000 living graduates worldwide, providing mentorship and employment connections across industries and continents. Graduate school placement is exceptionally strong, with Berkeley graduates attending the world's finest law schools, medical schools, MBA programs, and doctoral programs. Starting salaries for Berkeley graduates consistently rank among the highest for public university alumni. The combination of academic excellence, professional networks, and Bay Area location creates exceptional career outcomes.