Exploring Enrollment: The Berkeley Student Population

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public research university in California, US. It was founded in 1868 and has since grown to enrol more than 45,000 students. The university has a total undergraduate enrolment of 33,405 as of Fall 2023, with a student-to-faculty ratio of fewer than 30 students per class. UC Berkeley is considered one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, with an impressive list of alumni, including 107 Nobel laureates, 19 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 207 Olympic medal recipients.

Undergraduate and graduate student numbers

Berkeley's undergraduate and graduate student numbers vary depending on the source and year of measurement. According to UC Berkeley Quick Facts, the university had 33,070 undergraduate and 12,812 graduate students enrolled in Fall 2024. This data includes the student census collected after the 5th Friday of instruction each Fall semester.

Other sources provide slightly different figures for the total student population. One source states that Berkeley has an enrollment of more than 45,000 students, while another mentions a total of 45,307 students enrolled in 2022.

The variation in numbers may be due to differences in reporting periods, data collection methods, and inclusion criteria. It's important to refer to the specific details provided by each source to understand the context of the reported student numbers.

Student demographics

Berkeley's student body is incredibly diverse, with more than 40,000 students from all over the world. The university's eclectic mix of artsy and entrepreneurial, laidback and driven individuals creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other institutions.

In terms of demographics, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 33,000, with a similar number of graduate students, bringing the total student population to over 45,000. The student body is predominantly female, with women accounting for 56% of undergraduates and 49% of graduate and professional students.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the student population is diverse, with the most common group being Asian (30.3%), followed by White (22.9%), Hispanic or Latino (17.5%), Two or More Races (5.48%), Black or African American (2.52%), American Indian or Alaska Native (0.139%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.135%).

The university also has a significant international student population, with a portion of its property extending into Oakland and international students accounting for 3.02% of the degree recipients in 2022.

In terms of academic programs, Berkeley offers a wide range of majors and degrees. The most popular bachelor's degree concentrations in 2022 were Computer Science, Econometrics & Quantitative Economics, and Cellular & Molecular Biology. The university also has a strong focus on STEM disciplines, with many students enrolled in programs such as electrical engineering, computer sciences, molecular and cell biology, environmental science, and economics.

The university's selectivity is reflected in its acceptance rate, which was 11.3% for the undergraduate class of 2022. The average unweighted GPA for admitted students was 3.90, and 27% of admitted students received federal Pell grants.

Student accommodation

UC Berkeley, also known as the University of California, Berkeley, offers a variety of housing options for its students. The university's housing options are designed to cater to different needs, preferences, and lifestyles.

On-Campus Housing

On-campus housing options at UC Berkeley include residence halls and apartments.

Residence Halls

The residence halls at UC Berkeley offer a traditional residential experience and are located in different areas of the campus, including the south, northeast, and southeast sides. They feature live-in staff who provide social and academic support, community centres, on-site laundry, easy access to transportation, and more. Students can also join optional Theme Programs, which create smaller communities within the residence halls centred around shared identities, interests, or academic areas.

Apartments

Apartment housing is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate apartments are typically reserved for transfer and continuing students, while graduate students can apply for exclusive apartment complexes. On-campus apartments offer more intimate settings and may include additional amenities such as meal plans.

Off-Campus Housing

UC Berkeley also provides resources and support for students seeking off-campus housing. The Off-Campus Rental Services department offers guidance on finding rental listings and navigating the housing search process. Additionally, the Berkeley Housing Assistance Program provides one-on-one support to students looking for off-campus accommodations.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Berkeley can vary depending on factors such as the type of accommodation, location, and personal spending habits. On average, students can expect monthly expenses between $1,900 and $3,300 for off-campus housing.

Student Lifestyle

Berkeley is known for its vibrant student life, with a dynamic and student-friendly environment. The city offers a rich history, cultural diversity, and a focus on environmental initiatives. Students can explore cafes, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, parks, and other attractions. The university itself also provides numerous opportunities for engagement through its over 1,000 student organisations, Greek life, and athletic teams.

Transportation

Berkeley is considered a walkable and pedestrian-friendly city, with a well-designed transportation system. The university is located within walking distance of many locations, and the city has partnered with AC Transit for bus services. Additionally, ride-sharing services, cycling, and carpooling are also popular options for students navigating the city.

Student societies

The University of California, Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is a large public university with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 33,000 (as of Fall 2024) and a campus size of 1,232 acres. The university is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay, and typically, 95% or more of incoming freshmen choose to live on campus.

The university has a wide range of student societies and organisations, with over 1,000 groups registered, covering a variety of interests and activities. Students are encouraged to connect with peers and engage beyond the classroom. There are groups based on interests, passions, and identities, ranging from service and culture to politics and academic pursuits.

For those interested in leadership, Berkeley has a long history of student activism, dating back to the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s. The Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) is one of the only autonomous student organisations in the country, where elected student leaders collaborate with campus administrators to tackle issues important to the student body.

Students can also join fraternities and sororities, with a thriving Greek life on campus. Berkeley's athletic teams, the California Golden Bears, compete in the Pac-12 Conference and have a traditional rivalry with Stanford University.

There are also art classes, from digital design to drawing and ceramics, as well as musical performance opportunities, including the Cal Marching Band, jazz and choral ensembles, and a cappella groups.

For those interested in media and publications, there are over 80 student publications covering a range of topics, as well as an independent, student-run newspaper, The Daily Californian.

With such a diverse range of student societies, Berkeley offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved, connect with peers, and pursue their passions.

Student scholarships and financial aid

UC Berkeley is a public university, and for the fall of 2024, it had a total student enrollment of 33,070 undergraduates and 12,812 graduate students. The in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students are $16,832, while the out-of-state tuition and fees are $51,032. Nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students qualify for financial aid, and eligible graduate students may be awarded federal student loans and work-study.

UC Berkeley offers a variety of scholarship programs to help students fund their education. These include the Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship, the Fiat Lux Scholarship, the Middle-Class Scholarship, the Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarship, the African American Initiative Scholarship, the SkyDeck Intern Scholarship, and the New Leader Scholarship. The university also provides students with resources to find outside scholarships, such as through BestColleges.com, which offers a database of nearly 20,000 scholarships, and the College Board Scholarship Search, which helps students find funding opportunities from over 2,300 sources.

The Cal Alumni Association offers scholarships for both incoming and continuing UC Berkeley undergraduate students. The deadline for scholarship applications for incoming students is May 2, while continuing students must submit their applications by June 1.

The university's Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides support for students and helps them navigate their financial journey. They also offer a tool called the Cal-culator to help students estimate their financial aid eligibility.

Frequently asked questions