University of California Berkeley

Located in the Northern California city of Berkeley, the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public land-grant research university. Founded in 1868, it was the state’s first land-grant university and the first campus of the University of California system. UC Berkeley is known across the world as a top-tier university, and its programs in engineering and social sciences are consistently considered among the best. Notable alumni include Apple, Inc.’s original co-founder Steve Wozniak, American novelist Jack London, and NASA astronaut F. Drew Gaffney.

Ranked 20 in the nation, UC Berkeley is a highly selective school. Its acceptance rate is 17%, and its graduation rate is 91%. UC Berkeley’s tuition rate is per year for in-state students and annually for out-of-state students. Over 31,000 undergraduate and 12,000 graduate students are enrolled. Its 14 colleges and schools offer over 350 degree programs. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar.

Student life at UC Berkeley involves rigorous study and great pride in the university’s legacies and time-honored traditions. On campus, students might stop to meet each other at the Wheeler Oak, relax on one of the university’s many green spaces, or rub the 4.0 Ball for luck as they make their way to an exam. The week before finals is known as RRR Week, during which no quizzes, projects, or events are scheduled, to allow students time to focus and prepare for their exams. Students can participate in over 1,200 clubs and organizations, including more than 60 sororities and fraternities. Students participate in more than 30 varsity teams, 35 club sports teams and many intramural teams. As they cheer on their Golden Bears, UC Berkeley students are known for showing school spirit with their signature 'card stunts.'