University of California sets enrollment records

The University of California announced today (Jan. 8) a record-breaking 301,093 students enrolled for fall 2025, the largest student body in the system's history. The total enrollment includes over 200,000 California resident undergraduates, an increase of 1,796 students over the prior year, representing the tenth consecutive period of year-over-year growth for in-state enrollment. This figure also represents 5.9 percent growth since fall 2021, with an overall increase of 11,158 students during this period.

UC's sustained period of California resident enrollment growth demonstrates the University's unwavering commitment to serving the most promising California students and to the budget compact with Gov. Newsom and the Legislature. Today's data also highlights that demand for a UC education remains high among students across the state.

This year, the share of nonresident undergraduates also decreased from 15.8 percent to 15.6 percent. Over the past four years, the share of nonresident undergraduates has dropped more than 2 percentage points.

"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. "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."

Fall headcount enrollment

*Includes postbaccalaureate students
**Includes a small number of "other" new students not identified as first-year or transfer students

The University's enrollment gains come as UC campuses are experiencing significant financial challenges due to a combination of higher operational costs, deferred state funding, federal funding cuts and the threat of future reductions. With more students than ever enrolled at UC, full state and federal funding for the University is critical to sustaining the support services students need to succeed.

"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. "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."

Graduate student enrollment also grew by 202 students, a modest increase of 0.3 percent. This marks the second consecutive year of graduate enrollment growth and reflected a significant increase of 13.5 percent in domestic master's program enrollment across UC. The University experienced a 2.3 percent decline in academic doctoral enrollment across all major disciplines.

In addition to higher operational expenses, UC is also facing federal funding cuts. This includes the elimination of more than 400 federal research grants - representing $230 million in research activity - that remain suspended or terminated. New federal limits on grant submissions are also creating uncertainty for the tens of thousands of UC scientists whose work fuels the nation's innovation economy.

Despite these challenges, data released in 2025 shows that UC is an engine for economic and social mobility for its students. UC degrees lead to well-paying jobs and salary increases for graduates over their careers across the technology, entertainment, biotechnology, finance and consulting sectors. Additionally, 68 percent of all UC undergraduate students graduate with no student debt, and a majority of its first-generation students earn more than their families within four years of graduation.

To access all of UC's fall 2025 enrollment data, visit: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us/information-center/fall-enrollment-glance

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