UC admits record number of California students

The University of California announced today (July 29) a record year for California admissions, offering 102,031 California first-year students admission for fall 2026, the highest number in University history. The preliminary admissions results reflect UC's long-standing commitment to serving California, where approximately 85% of the University's currently enrolled undergraduate students are state residents.

The number of California first-year students admitted increased by 1,458 from fall 2025 when the University admitted 100,573 students. The fall 2026 admission rate for first-year California residents increased to 78% from 77% the prior year. The University received over 205,000 first-year applications for fall 2026, demonstrating sustained demand for a UC education. Overall, the University accepted 153,272 first-year students - including California residents and nonresidents.

The University is committed to expanding access for qualified California residents. The UC 2030 capacity plan set a goal of adding 17,000 in-state undergraduates by 2030, and the University is currently on track to meet that target. This aligns with UC's Multi-Year Compact with the state, which requires UC to increase California undergraduate enrollment by at least one percent annually to receive state funding increases.

"For generations, a University of California education has been one of the state's most powerful engines of social mobility, opening doors for talented students from every background and region of the state," said UC President James B. Milliken. "The record number of California students we're welcoming this year reflects UC's enduring commitment to expanding opportunity while preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, educators and public servants."

UC students continue to graduate at high levels with the four-year graduation rate for first years at a record 74% and the two-year graduation rate for transfer students at a record 67%. The University's four-year graduation rate is higher than the average for the nation's leading public research universities of 66% and is well above the national average of 48%. Students also persist in their studies year-to-year and continue life after UC as leaders in their chosen professions.

Reflecting UC's long-standing mission to identify and support talented students, regardless of background, the proportion of admitted first-year California residents who reported low family income increased from 2025's rate of 42% to 43%, while there was a slight decrease in the proportion of admits who would be first-generation college students, from 42% to 41%. Even with that decrease, UC still admitted 42,277 first-generation students from California.

"This year's data show once again that a significant number of first-generation and low-income students are getting their shot at the American dream at public universities like UC," said Han Mi Yoon-Wu, UC's associate vice provost and executive director for Undergraduate Admissions. "I'm proud that UC continues to welcome talented and deserving students who have demonstrated the preparation and potential to succeed at one of the world's leading public research universities, while expanding opportunity for students from communities across California."

UC increased admissions of California Community College (CCC) transfers by 6% in 2026, compared to last year's total. In all, a record-breaking 29,372 CCC students received admission to a UC in 2026. 46% of the domestic CCC transfer students are first generation and more than half (53%) have low family incomes. Through both first-year and transfer pathways, UC continues to expand opportunities for qualified Californians while meeting the state's workforce and economic needs.

For a comprehensive breakdown of preliminary fall 2026 admissions data, visit our website.

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