The University of California (UC) reported a historic 301,093 students enrolled across its 10 campuses for fall 2025 on Jan. 8, marking the largest student body in the system’s history, according to the UC Office of the President. Out of this total, 76.8% — or more than 200,000 undergraduate students — are California residents, continuing a decade-long trend of rising in-state enrollment.
The system also saw a substantial 21% increase in new international undergraduate students to 7,292 in total — a growth that emerged despite federal visa restrictions and heightened scrutiny under policies from the Trump administration. Graduate enrollment rose modestly by 202 students, although doctoral program numbers saw a slight decline.
“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. “An investment in UC is the best investment in the future of our students, California’s workforce, and the state’s economy.”
Individual campuses reported mixed enrollment trends. UC Riverside experienced the largest growth — adding 1,249 students — while UC Davis saw a decline of 656 students. UC Irvine’s numbers remained nearly the same — dropping by just 29 students — while UC Berkeley and UC San Diego saw moderate increases.
Regarding demographics, Latino students made up nearly 28% of first-year undergraduates, Asian Americans were the largest group at 35% and white students rose to 19%. Black and Native American enrollment dipped slightly while Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander representation increased to a quarter of 1%. Female students outnumbered males by 5,554 students.
The enrollment spike comes amid significant financial pressures for the UC system. In 2025, more than 400 federal research grants — totalling in $230 million — were suspended or terminated. UCLA faced a proposed $1.2 billion fine in connection with allegations of racial bias and unpunished antisemitism among students. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the penalty, and negotiations are ongoing.
However, state budget developments announced on Jan. 9 provide some relief. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2026 budget would provide the UC system with $350.6 million in new funding, as well as $365.7 million for California State University. This funding is part of a multiyear compact that promises annual budget increases in exchange for expanding California enrollment and boosting graduation rates. The proposal does include some deferred payments from last year, which lawmakers may release sooner. Overall, UC’s total state funding would reach $5.3 billion under the new plan.
“The budget introduced today by Governor Newsom continues to provide critical support for the University and our students,” Milliken said. Optimism surges as additional funding for the Cal Grant program, now at $3.2 billion, intends to make tuition more affordable for low and middle-income students as well.
Despite obstacles, the UC system continues to support student success. 68% of undergraduates graduate debt-free, and most first-generation students surpass their parents’ incomes within four years.
Anika Denny is a News Staff Writer. She can be reached at adenny1@uci.edu.
Edited by Mariam Farag and Luis Ortiz
