Activism

Record-Breaking UC Freshman Class Includes 6% Black Students

The UC system continues to see steady growth in racial and ethnic representation. Latinos made up the largest share of admitted students at 39%, followed by Asian Americans at 33%, White students at 18%, and Native American and Pacific Islander students at about 1% or less. The growth comes even as the total applicant pool dropped slightly to 249,824.

Published

1 year ago

August 9, 2025

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The University of California has admitted a record number of California first-year students for fall 2025, with 100,947 in-state freshmen admitted, a 7% increase over last year.

Among them, 6% identify as Black.

Much of the admissions increase was driven by UC Merced and UC Riverside. Merced boosted admission offers by over 60%, and Riverside increased them by more than 38%. In contrast, UCLA and UC Berkeley admitted fewer California freshmen this year, despite high application numbers.

“This growth is a clear indication that Californians recognize the value of a UC degree,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, who stepped down from the post last month.

James B. Milliken, former University of Texas chancellor, has assumed the role.

The UC system continues to admit many students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. This year, 42% of California first-year admits come from low-income families, and 42% are the first in their families to attend college.

In total, UC admitted 180,382 first-year and transfer students, including international and out-of-state applicants. International admissions rose 17%, and out-of-state offers rose 9%, despite concerns about federal visa restrictions and tuition hikes. Nonresident tuition increased to $37,602 last fall.

UC officials say their admissions process follows all state and federal laws, even as the system faces federal investigations into alleged race-based practices. “We are proud to offer these exceptional young people a place at the University of California,” said Han Mi Yoon-Wu, associate vice provost for undergraduate admissions in a statement.

As students prepare to make enrollment decisions, UC leaders say expanding access remains a top priority. Final enrollment numbers are expected in the fall.