The University of California reported record enrollment numbers for the fall 2025 term, with more than 301,000 students attending its 10 campuses. This marks the highest total in the university’s history and includes an increase of 1,686 students from the previous year. The number of California resident undergraduates also rose by 1,796 to surpass 200,000.
First-year California undergraduates accounted for about 80% of all first-year students, totaling 42,232 out of 52,611. This is an increase of 264 compared to last year.
“These numbers reflect California’s commitment to academic excellence, access, and innovation, values that have made the University of California the world’s greatest research university,” said UC President James B. Milliken in a statement. “The value of a UC degree is abundantly clear. An investment in UC is the best investment in the future of our students, California’s workforce, and the state’s economy.”
Demographic patterns among enrolled students remained largely consistent with previous years. Female undergraduates continued to outnumber males by a margin of over 5,500. Enrollment increased among Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian American and white first-year undergraduates compared to last year. However, there were slight decreases in Black and Native American first-year student enrollment.
International student enrollment at UC stayed relatively stable despite federal restrictions that include travel bans affecting dozens of countries and increased visa scrutiny targeting social media activity. Total international student numbers fell by 499 to reach 34,498; most of this decline was among graduate students. However, new undergraduate international enrollment—including transfers—rose by approximately 21% to reach 7,292.
UC officials attributed this growth partly to offering admission to more international applicants due to uncertainty about how many would ultimately enroll amid ongoing restrictions. Last year saw a significant increase in admission offers extended to international first-year students.
UC Berkeley recorded the largest gain in new international undergraduates while UCLA also saw notable increases; other campuses such as Davis and Irvine experienced slight declines.
For overall undergraduate growth across all groups, UC Riverside had the largest increase in enrollment.
In graduate programs popular with international students—such as computer science—enrollment declined slightly from last year.
UC has factored higher tuition costs for nonresident students into its admissions decisions. In 2024, nonresident tuition increased by 10%, rising from $34,200 to $37,602 per year.
Following funding cuts during the Great Recession years ago, UC began admitting more out-of-state and international students who pay higher tuition rates. Recently it has shifted focus back toward increasing admissions for California residents following public pressure and state budget agreements.
“A UC degree, that has proven to pay dividends, is the gold standard for public higher education,” said Han Mi Yoon-Wu, associate vice provost for systemwide undergraduate admissions at UC. “We want every Californian to know that a UC degree is possible for them. This year’s enrollment numbers demonstrate once again that the University of California is here to drive social and economic mobility for all Californians.”
The data release comes as national debate continues over college admissions practices and reliance on higher tuition from international students. Despite legal challenges against diversity programs nationwide—including a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action—UC highlights its efforts toward building a diverse student body through alternative means such as comprehensive review processes and guaranteed admission policies for top-performing high schoolers statewide.
Federal accusations regarding illegal use of race in admissions led to grant cuts and fines against some campuses last year; these penalties are currently blocked pending court decisions while negotiations continue between university officials and federal authorities.
Nationally among elite universities outside California—including Princeton University—recent data shows an increase in low-income student enrollment eligible for Pell Grants since affirmative action was ended by court decision. At UC campuses overall however there was a decrease in Pell Grant recipients compared with last year; only Riverside campus reported an increase.
