Ultimate Guide to the UC Schools

What is the UC System?

When it comes to applying to college in California, few systems are as well-known (or as competitive )as the University of California (UC) system. With nine undergraduate campuses stretching from all across California, the UC system offers world-class academics, vibrant campus communities, and a commitment to public service and research. But for many students and families, understanding how the UC system works can feel overwhelming.

The 9 UC Campuses locations

Here’s a quick snapshot of the undergraduate UC campuses:

1. UC Berkeley – Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area
2. UCLA – Los Angeles, Westwood neighborhood
3. UC San Diego – Southern California, La Jolla (San Diego)
4. UC Santa Barbara – Central Coast, beachside city of Santa Barbara
5. UC Irvine – Southern California, Orange County
6. UC Davis – Northern California, just west of Sacramento
7. UC Santa Cruz – Coastal Northern California, redwood forests near Monterey Bay
8. UC Riverside – Inland Southern California, part of the Inland Empire
9. UC Merced – Central Valley, newest and fastest-growing UC campus

Each campus has its own culture, strengths, and areas of specialization—from Berkeley’s research legacy to Santa Barbara’s oceanfront labs. Whether you’re interested in engineering, liberal arts, sustainability, or pre-med, there’s likely a UC that fits your goals. And below is a little more information of the schools in Comparison by the numbers

By the numbers

Rankings

While rankings are just one factor to consider, they often play a large role in shaping public perception and student interest. Within the University of California system, UC Berkeley and UCLA consistently stand out with both frequently ranking among the top 15 universities globally. Berkeley is renowned for its excellence in engineering, computer science, and the social sciences, while UCLA is highly regarded for its strong programs in the life sciences, film, and business.

Below these Universities in the UC System would be: UC San Diego (UCSD), UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), UC Irvine (UCI), and UC Davis. These four schools are highly respected and offer strong academics, but are slightly less selective than Tier 1.

Then below these schools would be UC Santa Cruz, Riverside, and Merced. These campuses are less selective but still provide an excellent education with access to UC resources.

With all this in mind, Rankings should never be the only metric in deciding where to apply, but they can help students understand each UC’s academic strengths and global reputation. More importantly, finding the right fit—academically, socially, and financially—matters far more than a number on a list.

Application Process

Applying to the University of California system is a unique experience as it has its own application platform, deadlines, and requirements. The good news? You only need to fill out one application to apply to any or all of the nine UC undergraduate campuses.

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Create a UC Application Account
2. Pick Your Campuses
3. Input Academic History
4. Answer 4 out of 8 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
5. List your Activities & Awards
6. Application Fees & Waivers ($80 per)
7. Review & Submit by November 30

Tuition & Cost

The University of California is a public state university system, which means it’s primarily funded to serve California residents. As such, tuition is significantly lower for in-state students.

• California Residents: $14,436 per year
• Non-Residents: $14,436 + $34,200 in non-resident supplemental tuition (Totaling over $48,000 annually)

Because of their prestige and global recognition, UC campuses receive tens of thousands of applications from students across the U.S. and around the world each year. To balance this demand with their public mission, the UC system charges an additional non-resident tuition fee to out-of-state and international students. This helps ensure that California taxpayer funding continues to prioritize access for in-state students while still welcoming talented applicants from beyond the state.

A Brief Overview

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• UC Berkeley – Known for computer science, engineering, economics, and political science. A historic campus with a strong activist and research culture.
• UCLA – Strong in pre-med, psychology, film & television, and business. Located in Los Angeles with a competitive but energetic vibe.
• UC San Diego – A leader in biology, neuroscience, engineering, and oceanography. Offers a unique college system and coastal campus.
• UC Davis – Top-ranked in animal science, environmental science, agriculture, and biological sciences. Known for a bike-friendly, community-centered campus.
• UC Irvine – Rising in reputation with standout programs in computer science, public health, and business. Located in Orange County with a modern, STEM-forward feel.
• UC Santa Barbara – Offers strong programs in physics, environmental studies, and marine biology. Known for its beachside location and balanced social-academic scene.
• UC Santa Cruz – Recognized for computer science, astrophysics, and environmental science. A forested, progressive campus with a laid-back culture.
• UC Riverside – Strong in entomology, business, and STEM fields. A diverse and supportive campus focused on upward mobility.
• UC Merced – The newest UC, growing quickly with strengths in engineering, environmental systems, and public health. Known for small class sizes and innovation.

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Each campus has its own flavor, opportunities, and strengths—and what’s best for one student might not be right for another.

👉 Want to learn more? In our other blog post, we’ll break down each UC in detail to help you find your best match.