University of California - Berkeley

University of California - Berkeley

#20PublicUrban
45,882
Total Students
33,070
Undergrads
12,812
Graduates
11%
Acceptance
20:1
Student:Faculty
📍 Berkeley, CA
🎓 Est. 1868
🌐 Website
📊Admissions
11%
Acceptance Rate
3.7-3.95
Middle 50% GPA Range of Admitted Students
1350-1540
Composite Score
Middle 50% SAT Range of Admitted Students
30-35
Composite Score
Middle 50% ACT Range of Admitted Students

Acceptance Rate Trend

201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252%6%10%14%18%16.9%17.5%17.1%14.8%16.3%17.5%14.0%11.3%12.0%12.0%11.7%

SAT Score Range Trend

(middle 50% of admitted students)

Year25th Percentile75th Percentile
202013001520
202113001520
202213001520
202313001530
202413001530

Application Timeline

🗓️
Early Application Deadline
N/A
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Decision Released
N/A
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Regular Decision Deadline
December 2
☘️
Decision Released
Late March

Application Methods

UC Application
Personal Insight Questions
Achievement Review
⚖️Fit Profile

👍 Great Fit If You Are:

1

Restless thinkers

if you’re never satisfied with easy answers and crave complexity, Berkeley feeds your mind.

2

Change-driven minds

if you believe knowledge should challenge power and help people, this is your ground zero.

3

Self-starters

if you thrive in freedom, chaos, and autonomy, Berkeley will let you build your own path.

4

Tech and policy builders

if you want to code and legislate, model and mobilize, this is the perfect intersection.

5

Global justice seekers

if you care about equity, climate, AI ethics, or civil rights, you’ll find your tribe here.

🚨 Not Ideal For:

1

Structure-dependent students

Berkeley is huge, decentralized, and requires strong personal initiative.

2

Socially conservative students

the political culture is proudly progressive and activist by default.

3

Shield-seekers

professors are brilliant but may not hold your hand; support systems exist, but you must find them.

4

Peace-and-quiet lovers

this is a noisy, fast, and sometimes chaotic intellectual jungle.

5

Prestige-only applicants

Berkeley’s status is strong, but the true value lies in the fire it lights, not the name it carries.

What's unique at University of California - Berkeley?
1

Historic public research excellence

As the flagship UC campus, Berkeley is consistently ranked among the world’s top public universities with leadership across sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

2

Free Speech Movement legacy

The 1964 movement cemented Berkeley’s role in political activism, shaping its identity as a hub for civic engagement and social change.

3

Innovations and Nobel laureates

Berkeley faculty and alumni have won over 100 Nobel Prizes, with discoveries spanning physics, chemistry, biology, and economics.

4

Distinctive programs

The Haas School of Business, College of Engineering, and School of Law are globally recognized, alongside interdisciplinary strengths in data science and public policy.

5

Campus culture and traditions

Iconic landmarks like Sather Gate, the Campanile, and Cal athletics traditions create a vibrant student experience.

👨‍🎓Student Life

☀️ Weather & Climate

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spring

60-70°F (16-21°C)

Mild and pleasant

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summer

65-75°F (18-24°C)

Foggy mornings, sunny afternoons

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fall

65-75°F (18-24°C)

Warm and clear

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winter

50-60°F (10-16°C)

Cool with some rain

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Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures.

☀️Average 256 sunny days per year

👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Demographics

15%
International Students

Gender Ratio

Female
54%
Male
46%

Ethnic Distribution

Asian
39%
White
21%
Hispanic
15%
International
15%
Multi-Race
6%
Other
4%

📚 Popular Majors

Computer Science
Economics
Business Administration
Engineering
Political Science
💰Annual Tuition
In-State$14,934
Out-of-State$51,032
🍽️Dining & Nearby Areas

Campus Area Dining

Gourmet Ghetto
Telegraph Avenue
Downtown Berkeley

Nearby Areas

San Francisco
25 min

Vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and tech scene.

Price Range: Varies
Oakland
15 min

Nearby city with rich cultural offerings and dining options.

Price Range: Varies
💸Career Outcomes
$85,300
Median Earnings
92%
Employment Rate
$71,500
Starting Salary
A+
Career Grade

Top Employers

Google
Apple
Facebook
Amazon
Microsoft

Top Graduate School Destinations

UC Berkeley
Stanford
MIT
Harvard
UCLA