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University of California (UC): a guide to all nine undergraduate campuses
The University of California is the state’s public research university system. Nine campuses admit undergraduates, and all of them share one application, one set of admission requirements and one tuition structure.
9
undergraduate campuses, plus UCSF for graduate health sciences
1
application for every UC campus you choose
0
weight given to SAT or ACT scores in admission
All UC profiles
Compare the UC campuses
Each profile covers admissions, cost, campus life and location. Start with the campuses near where you want to live.
| Campus | Location | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area | The founding UC campus; engineering, computer science and physics |
| UCLA | Westwood, Los Angeles | Film and media, medicine, a large range of majors and athletics |
| UC San Diego | La Jolla, San Diego | Sciences, oceanography and a residential college system |
| UC Davis | Davis, near Sacramento | Agriculture, veterinary medicine and environmental science |
| UC Irvine | Irvine, Orange County | STEM, business and a large, diverse student body |
| UC Santa Barbara | Isla Vista, Santa Barbara County | Physical sciences and a campus on the Pacific coast |
| UC Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay | Marine science, a redwood-forest campus and residential colleges |
| UC Riverside | Riverside, Inland Empire | Diversity, social mobility and plant and agricultural science |
| UC Merced | Merced, San Joaquin Valley | The newest UC campus, with a focus on research and sustainability |
Selectivity and costs change every year. Check each profile and the campus’s official admissions page for current figures.
How the UC system works
What every UC campus has in common
The campuses differ in size, setting and selectivity, but the rules are set systemwide.
Research universities
UC campuses grant bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and undergraduates can often join faculty research.
A–G course requirements
Freshman applicants need 15 approved A–G high school courses with a minimum GPA. Grades in those courses matter most.
Test-blind admission
The UC does not use SAT or ACT scores to make admission decisions. Essays, called Personal Insight Questions, carry real weight.
How to apply
Applying to UC, step by step
One application reaches every campus. See our full application guide and deadlines.
Step 1
Complete A–G courses
Plan your high school schedule so you finish the required A–G courses with strong grades.
Step 2
Submit the UC application
You submit it in the fall. Choose as many campuses as you like and answer four Personal Insight Questions.
Step 3
Apply for aid
File the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to be considered for Cal Grant and UC aid. See UC tuition.
Step 4
Compare offers
Admission decisions arrive in spring. Compare aid offers before the May 1 decision deadline.
FAQ
Common questions
Which UC is the easiest to get into?
Selectivity varies a lot between campuses. Berkeley and UCLA are the most competitive, while campuses such as Merced and Riverside admit a larger share of applicants. Check each campus profile for current admission figures.
Is UCSF one of the UC campuses?
Yes, but UC San Francisco only offers graduate and professional programs in health sciences. It does not admit freshmen, so undergraduates choose among the other nine campuses.
Can I transfer to a UC from a community college?
Yes. Transfer is a major path into the UC. Six campuses offer a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) to eligible California community college students. See our community colleges guide.
Is USC part of the UC system?
No. The University of Southern California is a private university. See our private colleges guide.
How much does a UC cost?
Tuition is set systemwide, but housing and living costs vary by campus. Most California students pay less than the sticker price after grants. Read how much UC tuition really costs.
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