The University of California institutions, also called UCs, collectively enroll domestic students from all 50 states and international students from over 100 countries.
Founded in 1869 to educate California’s brightest minds, the UC system boasts global recognition for education, research, and service. Being the top public university system in the US, it has nine colleges under its umbrella and receives over 250,000 annual applications.
The UCs are home to 280,000 students and 227,000 faculty and staff members. Around the world, its 2.0 million alumni are employed and working. All UC institutions offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees except for UC San Francisco, a graduate and professional school.
Let’s start with an overview of overall rankings to see how each UC campus compares. Then, we’ll explore specific factors like cost of attendance, available majors, student diversity, and more. This will help identify not only the top-ranked UCs but also the easiest UC to get into based on various criteria.
University of California Acceptance Rate
in 2023-24
| Schools | Acceptance Rate | UC Rank (US News) |
|---|---|---|
| UC Los Angeles | UCLA | 8.7% | #2 |
| UC Berkeley | 11.7% | #1 |
| UC Irvine | 25.8% | #5 |
| UC San Diego | UCSD | 24.8% | #3 |
| UC Santa Barbara | UCSB | 27.8% | #6 |
| UC Davis | 41.6% | #4 |
| UC Santa Cruz | UCSC | 61.3% | #8 |
| UC Riverside | 70.4% | #7 |
| UC Merced | 88.6% | #9 |
Hardest UC Schools to Get Into
The difficulty of getting into a UC school varies. UCLA and UC Berkeley are the hardest, with acceptance rates under 15%, making them as selective as schools like Notre Dame and USC.
Despite being competitive, both schools offer a lot. UC Berkeley, the oldest UC, is known for its top academics, active campus life, and proximity to San Francisco. UCLA, located in Los Angeles, offers over 3,800 courses and a strong alum network in entertainment—ideal for students interested in film or TV careers.
Easiest UC Schools to Get Into
If the thought of applying to UCLA or Berkeley feels overwhelming, remember that the UC system offers a range of options. UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced all have acceptance rates above 50%, providing a reassuringly high chance of acceptance for many students.
UC Riverside is a solid choice for affordable education, especially for low-income students. Low-income students are those whose family income falls below a certain level, making them eligible for financial aid and other support services.
Least selectivity means a higher chance of selection, and vice versa.
Selectivity refers to the percentage of applicants a school accepts. For example, a school with a 10% acceptance rate is more selective than a school with a 50% acceptance rate.
1. UC Merced
In terms of rankings, UC Merced has secured recognition. The 2021 US News & World Report positioned UC Merced at #97 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 89%
GPA Range: 3.40 – 3.96
First-year admit Applications: 31,875
Location: Merced, Central Valley
Driven by a mission to contribute to society through education, research, and public service, UC Merced is the first American research university of the 21st century; it prioritizes sustainability-focused cutting-edge research. Undergraduates engage in diverse learning experiences, including research, service learning, and leadership development. Being a newer institution, UC Merced offers ample prospects for growth and innovation.
2. UC Riverside
In terms of rankings, UC Riverside has gained recognition. The 2021 US News & World Report positioned UC Riverside at #88 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 69%
GPA Range: 3.69 – 4.11
First year admit applications: 58,040
Location: Riverside, Inland Empire
Driven by a mission to contribute to society through education, research, and public service, UC Merced is the first American research university of the 21st century; it prioritizes sustainability-focused cutting-edge research. Undergraduates engage in diverse learning experiences, including research, service learning, and leadership development. Being a newer institution, UC Merced offers ample prospects for growth and innovation.
3. UC Santa Cruz
In terms of rankings, UC Santa Cruz has received recognition. The 2021 US News & World Report placed UC Santa Cruz at #97 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 47%
GPA Range: 3.71 – 4.16
First year admit applications: 71,700
Location: Santa Cruz, Central Coast
This college stands out for its forward-thinking research initiatives aimed at enhancing the world and its inhabitants. From personalized cancer care to advanced solar cell development, the university strives to enrich lives. Notably, UC Santa Cruz boasts an impressive marine biology program.
4. UC Davis
In terms of rankings, UC Davis has received acknowledgment. The 2021 US News & World Report positioned UC Davis at #39 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 37%
GPA Range: 3.96 – 4.25
First year admit applications: 98,861
Location: Davis, Sacramento Valley
Often associated with its esteemed veterinary medicine and agriculture programs, the reputation of UC Davis extends further. Notably, in 2018, UC Davis achieved the top spot for Campus Sustainability, and in 2016, it was recognized as the most important school for women in STEM.
5. UC Santa Barbara
Regarding rankings, UC Santa Barbara received acknowledgment. The 2021 US News & World Report positioned UC Santa Barbara at #30 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 26%
GPA Range: 4.04 – 4.27
First year admit applications: 110,256
Location: Santa Barbara, Central Coast
Secure and visually appealing beach town campus, UC Santa Barbara is renowned for its exceptional chemical, electrical, and materials engineering and science programs.
6. UC San Diego
In terms of rankings, UC San Diego achieved recognition. The 2021 US News & World Report positioned UC San Diego at #35 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 24%
GPA Range: 4.04 – 4.28
First year admit applications: 134,444
Location: La Jolla, San Diago
Renowned as a premier science university in the US, it offers extensive research opportunities that contribute to pioneering technology and theories.
7. UC Irvine
In terms of rankings, UC Irvine has received recognition. The 2021 US News & World Report placed UC Irvine at #35 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 21%
GPA Range: 3.96 – 4.26
First year admit applications: 122,697
Location: Irvine, Orange County
UC Irvine distinguishes itself as a research institution with a focus on cancer and neuroscience studies conducted at the UC Irvine Medical Center. Notably, the Paul Merage School of Business and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering are esteemed graduate schools
8. UC Berkeley
In terms of rankings, UC Berkeley achieved recognition. The 2021 US News & World Report placed UC Berkeley at #22 among National Universities.
Acceptance Rate: 11%
GPA Range: 4.13 – 4.30
First year admit applications: 124,242
Location: Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area
This one enjoys the esteemed position of being the top public university in the United States. Its stringent undergraduate academic criteria render it among the most competitive UC schools for admission. Boasting over 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units, UC Berkeley remains dedicated to delivering excellence in education, research, and societal contributions.
9. UC Los Angeles (University of California)
UCLA holds a notable ranking (#20) among National Universities in the 2021 US News & World Report,
Acceptance Rate: 9%
GPA Range: 4.18 – 4.31
First year admit applications: 146,271
Location: Los Angeles, Southern California
UCLA boasts extensive academic diversity, offering over 125 majors across six divisions and 109 departments. Aspiring actors, lawyers, dentists, and nurses are drawn to UCLA for its renowned programs in nursing, dental care, theater, and law. The university’s athletic prowess is evident in its NCAA Division 1 Pacific 12 Conference teams.
How to Apply to UC Schools source
Applying to UC schools takes some planning, as several campuses have competitive acceptance rates. To improve your chances, exceed the basic requirements and consider applying to multiple campuses.
1. Understand the Admission Requirements
To meet the minimum UC admission requirements, you’ll need to complete 15 college-prep courses and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents). California residents in the top 9% of their high school class or of participating state high schools qualify for guaranteed admission to UC schools.
2. Use a Single Application
With the UC application, you have the flexibility to apply to multiple campuses with a single form. This comprehensive application, with its seven sections, allows you to provide details about your chosen campuses, majors, and academic history. The personal insight section is your chance to shine, where you can showcase your achievements, activities, and goals. By applying to several UC campuses, you’re taking control of your future, as it increases your chances of acceptance, given the varying UC school’s acceptance rates across campuses.
3. Submit to Multiple Campuses
Once your application is complete, you can submit it to any or all of the nine undergraduate UC schools. There’s a $70 application fee per school ($80 for international students), but fee waivers are available for up to four campuses if you qualify.
Applying to multiple campuses helps increase your options, especially with UC schools’ varying acceptance rates.
Recommended Reading: USC vs. UCLA: Top Factors You Must Consider
UC Trivia—Best UC Schools Ranked
UC Berkeley is the best for engineering. It offers 10 undergraduate and eight graduate engineering programs.
UC Merced is the most accessible school to get into. It has an acceptance rate of 88.6%.
There are 10 UC schools in total. Nine offer undergraduate and graduate programs.
UCLA is the most popular UC school. It received 139,489 applications in 2022.
Four UC schools made California.com’s most beautiful college campuses list: UCLA, UCSC, UCSB, and UC Berkeley.
Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Irvine all have very strong pre-med programs.
For those concerned about safety, UC Riverside, Santa Barbara, and San Diego are the top choices among the UC campuses. These campuses provide a secure environment, ensuring your peace of mind during your academic journey.
Conclusion
So, it is obvious that the University of California is a global hub of education that welcomes students from every corner of the world. UC campuses embody diversity and international collaboration. From groundbreaking research at UC San Diego to the cultural richness of UC Los Angeles, each campus offers a unique experience. As you consider the rankings, remember that beyond the numbers, UC schools offer a dynamic environment where students thrive, ideas flourish, and futures are transformed.
Recommended Reading: Is UCLA Ivy League? What You Should Know?
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