Introduction to UC Enrollment
The University of California enrolled a record number of Californians in fall 2025, according to data released Thursday, touting the vitality and popularity of a system under attack by the Trump administration and grappling with federal funding cuts and state budget belt-tightening. More than 301,000 students attended one of UC’s 10 campuses over the fall — the largest number in its history, with a year-over-year increase of 1,686 students. The total included more than 200,000 California resident undergraduates, an increase of 1,796 students.
Record Enrollment Numbers
At 42,232, first-year California undergraduates made up about 80% of the total 52,611 first-year students, representing an increase of 264 from 2024. “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,” UC President James B. Milliken said in a statement. “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.”
Most Race, Gender Demographics Remain Stable
Across the board, UC campuses largely maintained — with some small gains or dips — enrollment demographics by gender, race and residency status, including international students. Continuing a long-term trend, new female undergraduates outnumbered men, 28,301 to 22,747. Also, more Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian American and white first-year undergraduates enrolled than in 2024. But there were slight decreases in Black and Native Americans among first-year students. Across the nine undergraduate campuses — the 10th campus, San Francisco, has only graduate programs — there were 2,471 new first-year Black students, compared with 2,493 in 2024. For Native American students, the figure was 319, compared with 346 a year prior.
International Student Enrollment
Despite restrictions on foreign students that include a full or partial travel ban on 39 nations and increased vetting, the overall UC international student enrollment remained relatively stable. The scrutiny includes social media screenings by U.S. visa authorities that seek out pro-Palestinian content deemed antisemitic. Overall, foreigners at all levels of study numbered 34,498, a decrease of 499. Most of that decline was among graduate students.
More International Students Among New Undergraduates
But the number of new undergraduate internationals — including transfers — grew by roughly 21% to 7,292. That growth is in part due to UC offering admission to more internationals because campuses were unsure of how many would enroll amid restrictions. Last year, 3,263 more first-year international students were offered seats, an increase of 17% over 2024. UC Berkeley saw the biggest jump in new internationals, from 594 to 1,282. At UCLA, the group increased by 818 to 1,006. Davis and Irvine saw slight declines.
Campus Enrollment Growth
Overall for all undergraduates, UC Riverside had the largest growth — 22,600 to 24,034. One area of study popular with international graduate students — computer science — saw a small decline across UC. There were 5,443 graduate students enrolled in programs in 2024, compared with 5,184 in 2025. In addition to Trump administration restrictions, UC’s considerations in offering seats to more international students factored in their higher tuition costs as another potential obstacle. In 2024, the UC Board of Regents approved a 10% increase of the “nonresident” tuition fee from $34,200 to $37,602.
Trump Challenges
Thursday’s data release comes amid a challenging moment for UC as admission practices and college reliance on higher tuition from international students face criticism nationally. In recent years, UC has touted the racial and ethnic mix of its enrolled students as a growing reflection of California demographics. The point of pride has come despite attacks on diversity programs nationwide, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that affirmative action in college admissions was unconstitutional. In California, Proposition 209, approved by voters in 1996, banned the consideration of race in admission to public education institutions.
Conclusion
The University of California has set a new record in California student enrollment, despite facing challenges from the Trump administration. The university has maintained its commitment to academic excellence, access, and innovation, and its enrollment numbers reflect the state’s demographics. While there have been some declines in certain demographics, the overall trend is positive, with increases in California resident undergraduates and international students. The university will continue to face challenges in the future, but its strong enrollment numbers demonstrate its resilience and commitment to providing a world-class education to its students.
FAQs
Q: What is the current enrollment record at the University of California?
A: The University of California has enrolled a record number of Californians in fall 2025, with more than 301,000 students attending one of its 10 campuses.
Q: How has the Trump administration affected UC enrollment?
A: The Trump administration has imposed restrictions on foreign students, including a full or partial travel ban on 39 nations and increased vetting, which has affected UC’s international student enrollment.
Q: What is the demographic breakdown of UC’s enrollment?
A: UC’s enrollment demographics have remained relatively stable, with increases in Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian American, and white first-year undergraduates, but slight decreases in Black and Native American students.
Q: How has UC responded to the challenges posed by the Trump administration?
A: UC has defended its admission practices and said it abides by state and federal laws, and is open to negotiations with the White House to prevent additional cuts and investigations.
Q: What is the significance of UC’s enrollment record?
A: UC’s enrollment record demonstrates the university’s commitment to academic excellence, access, and innovation, and its ability to provide a world-class education to its students, despite facing challenges from the Trump administration.
