About University of California-Berkeley

Founded in 1868, University of California-Berkeley. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 29,310 full time undergraduate students, and 10,844 full time graduate students.

The University of California-Berkeley Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 1646 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of California-Berkeley include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate16%
Application Deadline
Application Fee70
SAT Range1270-1540
ACT Range31-34

Admissions at UCB are considered Most Selective, with ,226% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 7 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 98% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of California-Berkeley.

University of California-Berkeley REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    380 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    375 Students rated off-campus housing 2.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    417 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    430 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    429 Students rated class size 3.2 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    429 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    431 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    429 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of University of California-Berkeley?

176 Students rated University of California-Berkeley

Alexis - 12/31/2023

To preface my review, I'm a second semester freshman, so definitely take this review with a grain of salt. On the academic front, the classes have been shockingly easy so far, but I haven't taken many "weed out" classes. Also know my math class last semester had 750 people in my section alone (750 in the other section too), so don't expect a lot of individual attention. I've found the students to not be as intellectual as you'd expect at similarly-tiered institutions (like NYU, Duke, Vanderbilt, UCLA, Michigan, etc.), and a lot of students (perhaps just the ones I've found myself interacting with) are involved in the sorority/fraternity scene. Despite it being Berkeley, there's still severe hazing, cocaine, etc. occurring in that network, so beware. Despite the academic and social negatives, the dorms are quite nice, the food is good, and the weather is beautiful almost 24/7. There's also more resources at this school than just about anywhere else in the country, given how big and socially progressive it is, so just about anyone can succeed here if they're committed to asking for help.

Helena - 09/26/2023

The academics at UC Berkeley live up to their expectations - rigorous, but you are surrounded by like-minded, accomplished students, faculty, and culture. The campus is a tourist destination and typically busy, where you can find people protesting, practicing choir or acapella, playing games or sports, and studying or hanging out on the greens. The food in the dining halls and surrounding restaurants/eateries are diverse. There is something to eat for everyone, including vegan-friendly options. The housing, parking accessibility, and campus safety need more awareness to be improved upon. The homeless of Berkeley regularly come on to campus and vandalize property or bother students, including myself. UC Berkeley has a program called Bear Walk, where a student or faculty associated with the school will accompany and walk you up to certain hours of the night. I did not always feel safe at night and usually required a group or someone to walk with me. The housing dorms and facilities are old and typically broken down or not working. There are some newer residential dorms, but many students, including myself, felt we could have performed better in class and been able to study if the other old dorms were updated since elevators were always broken down, and the dorm rooms and study rooms in on-campus housing were run-down and needed better lighting to be able to see and study at night.

Rebecca - 08/04/2023

I am very motivated to be in such a rigorous campus. To be able to thrive with others who intend to achieve bright futures is what we are all about. In Berkeley you can network, and find the connections that will help stabalize your future socially and financially.

Zaria - 06/21/2023

UC Berkeley is a beautiful scene near San Francisco and Alameda. I will be studying Cognitive Science and seek to double major with Computer Science. I know lots of people claim that the class sizes are very large, making many have to attend office hours. However I am excited to enter the world of UC Berkeley.

University of California-Berkeley FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of California-Berkeley?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of California-Berkeley is 16%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would tell my highschool self to start being more open and social since, unlike highschool, I wouldn't have my close friends around anymore. So I should try meeting new people more often.

    Read all  409 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates all have unique characteristics

    Read all  144 answers
  4. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It is a college town, the school is beautiful and has a great accepting and engaging atmosphere.

    Read all  101 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A culturally diverse and prestigous university.

    Read all  93 answers
  6. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I honestly cannot see anything bad about Berkeley, at first I thought it would be the hobos that live near the southern part of campus, but they are extremely friendly, interesting and wish the students luck in their exams.

    Read all  80 answers
  7. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    This school is a breeding ground for anything you want it to be. As a freshman and sophomore, I contained my responsibilities to schoolwork only. Now, as a junior (and perhaps a little too late), I find that every niche interest has a group. I am interested in finance, so I joined the credit union. My friend entered an application competition for Android-run phones and is going to Spain next month to present it at a conference. This school allows you to unleash your passions and develop them with people who have similar abilities and interests. Always be sure to utilize your resources to the fullest extent. Otherwise, you will regret it like I do.

    Read all  74 answers
  8. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Research

    Read all  70 answers
  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who expect or need a lot of individual attention or hand holding.

    Read all  69 answers
  10. What are the academics like at your school?

    There is a wide range of class sizes, from small five person seminars to eight hundred person lecture halls. This implies that the class size dictates familiarity with the professors, and it does. The best way to get to know a professor is to attend his/her office hours. My favorite class was LGBT 145: Queer History. It was truly illuminating to experience a subset of individuals who I had no idea about whatsoever. Students study depending on their academic interests and activities outside of class. Also, natural ability has to be taken into account. Class participation varies as well; it all depends on the individuals. You will see, however, participation increasing with seniority. Students are INDEED competitive. Watch out!

    Read all  67 answers
  11. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Those who love to learn and explore. The liberal education there is one of the best in the world.

    Read all  66 answers
  12. What's unique about your campus?

    Its prestige. Research opportunities. Location.

    Read all  65 answers
  13. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    The difficulty of the coursework compared with other schools

    Read all  64 answers
  14. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Berkeley's one of the best universities in the world though most of us are from lower-class backgrounds.

    Read all  63 answers
  15. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about Cal is the difficulty getting into classes. I am currently on the waitlist for over half of my classes, and will not find out until possibly the fifth week of instruction whether or not I will get in. I went to try to get into a class with an enrollment maximum of 15, and over 200 students showed up. The fifteen students will be chosen based on a lottery system. Cal also employs the typical first come, first served method with preferance given to upperclassmen. Either way, the uncertainty it is extremely frustrating.

    Read all  63 answers
  16. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    These stereotypes CAN be true, but another stereotype that is ALWAYS true is that Berkeley is diverse, and often immune to blanket statements about student population. Certain majors certainly have a majority of ugly, studious intellectuals adorned in musty sweatpants (EECS, cough), but you're really sure to find almost every type of character on campus. Even fringe personalities can find a match if you make your fringeness visible enough.

    Read all  60 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Berkeley is known for its smart, free-spirited, strong-willed student population. Berkeley is known for its student protests, co-ops, and general hippie atmosphere. Personally, I think this is too much of a generalization. The thing about Berkeley is that it allows each student to decide how to define themselves. And yes, some of them choose to be hippies. Perhaps it is because of the large student body, but I feel that Berkeley allows for people to self-actualize. There are opportunities for every possible interest in the form of classes, clubs, organiztions, and teams. Classes are competitive, meaning students have to work their butt off just to get a B. I always say, "B for Berkeley." However, tough classes aside, Berkeley is a center of activity. You will never be bored.

    Read all  59 answers
  18. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    There are hundreds of organizations on campus. All you have to do is think about what you want to do, and more than likely, it exists. I am involved with the credit union on campus. I see myself in finance in a few years, and have taken the steps to begin a practical approach to my experience. Students leave their doors open if the floor is social. My floor did, and it encouraged a very friendly atmosphere. Athletic events and guest speakers abound, while theater has a presence, but much less so. I'm never awake at 2 AM on a Tuesday. These classes will take something out of you, so you'd better get some sleep! People party every weekend, excluding finals and midterms seasons. Fraternities and sororities have a presence, and you will find most people partying at fraternity houses. If you don't like drinking, you can go to the movies, hang out with your club members, go to San Francisco, and so many cool niche places.

    Read all  53 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The stereotype Berkeley student is up-tight, a studyholic, a leftist communist hippy, and someone who is extremely political. 70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of Berkeley students are of ethnic minorities. Most Berkeley students spend their free time playing computer games or other nerdy activities.

    Read all  23 answers
  20. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    For on campus dining options, there is the Golden Bear Cafe (GBC) on Sproul. This is your basic convenience store/ cafe. They provide burgers and soups for lunch, but they aren't really anything to brag about, just basic fare. There is also Ramona's by Wurster. They serve rice bowls, coffee, and other snacks. The dining commons for the dorms are buffet style and change their menus daily. However, they always have a salad bar, some soup, pizza, and some type of vegetarian option. The deserts aren't too bad either. You can always find the menu for the dining commons online so you can decide if you want to go there or not. All of these places accept the campus meal points. Off campus, there are plenty of options. There are a number of pizza places to go to. On the south side of campus Blondie's is the closest and probably the one I would recommend. There is also Cheeseboard, but that one is vegetarian only and its a bit of a walk. Zachary's is also good, but you have to bus there and there is always usually a bit of a wait. If you're not in the mood for pizza, but still in the mood for Italian, there's Gypsy's at the Durant Food Court, or you can walk further down Telegraph and go to Pasta Bene. There may not be many chain fast food burger places in Berkeley, but we still have some pretty good alternatives. The most well known is probably Bongo Burger. There are three of them: one on Euclid for those who live North side, one on Center Street, and one on Dwight for those on South side. There is also Smart Alec's and Manhattan Burger's across from the Durant Food Court. If you're looking for something a bit more exotic, you can always try some sushi at C U Sushi on Center or Joshu-ya's on South side. If you're looking for something sweet there's Chocolatier Blue on University Avenue or CREAM on Telegraph. There are plenty of places to eat around campus, after all, students need their brain food.

    Read all  8 answers
  21. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    As shallow as it is, prestige. Berkeley's one of the best universities in the world. My experience here hasn't proved otherwise. The only comparable campus I was accepted to was UCLA, and I didn't want to live in LA.

    Read all  7 answers

Student Body

Students

52%

female

48%

male

29,310

Total Undergrad Enrollment

10,844

Total Grad Students

14%

Out-Of-State

76%

In-State

10%

International

Organizations

N/A

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
35%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
15%
% White or Caucasian
26%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

63% of students attending University of California-Berkeley receive some sort of financial aid. 23% were awarded federal grants. While 24% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$40,191

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,262

Books and Supplies

$16,389

Room and Board

57,842

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$8,677
$30 - $48K
$9,522
$48 - $75K
$13,920
$75 - $110K
$20,858
$110K & UP
$29,197

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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