Fall Enrolment 2024: The University of California (UC) achieved a milestone in Fall 2024 by enrolling a record number of California residents. This significant development came amidst national scrutiny over the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to abolish race-conscious admissions policies, ending decades of affirmative action practices designed to boost diversity at institutions of higher learning.
A surge in Californian enrollment
According to data released on January 7, 2025, California residents comprised 84.2% of the UC undergraduate body, up from 83.5% the previous year. A total of 198,718 Californians enrolled across the system’s nine undergraduate campuses, spanning from Davis to San Diego. Among them were 60,644 first-year and transfer students, with six campuses reporting growth in their Californian student populations. UC San Diego led the surge, increasing its enrollment of state residents from 8,436 to 8,907.
UC President Michael V. Drake highlighted the institution’s commitment to accessibility and equity in a statement: “The University of California is committed to expanding access and opportunity, helping our state’s brightest students from all backgrounds realize the value and promise of a UC degree. These enrollment figures reflect the state’s investment in California students and the dedication of our staff, faculty, and campus leaders to providing a world-class education,” Drake said, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
Shifts in racial and ethnic representation
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, UC data shows that diversity among its student body has largely held steady or grown. Asian Americans continued to be the largest demographic group, representing 36.3% of undergraduates. Latinos followed at 26.7%, marking an increase in representation, while white students slightly declined to 19.8%.
Black student enrollment rose to 4.8% systemwide, with 11,257 undergraduates—a notable gain of 494 students. Native American representation ticked up slightly to 0.6%, and Pacific Islander enrollment remained steady at 0.2%.
Berkeley and UCLA defy national trends
UC Berkeley and UCLA, two of the system’s most competitive campuses, stood out for resisting national declines in Black and Latino student enrollments following the end of affirmative action.
At UC Berkeley, Black student enrollment increased by seven, reaching 400 students and representing 4.4% of the incoming class. Meanwhile, Latino enrollment fell slightly by 55 students but accounted for 21.9% of the class. Berkeley’s overall admission rate stood at 11%.
UCLA reported a more pronounced increase, enrolling 33 additional Black students in 2024 compared to the previous year. Black students now constitute 6.9% of the first-year and transfer class, totaling 717 individuals. The campus also saw gains in Latino enrollment, which rose by 96 students to make up 24.7% of new arrivals. UCLA’s admission rate was notably low at 9%.
Growing support for low-income students
Another significant trend in the data was the rise in low-income students supported by federal Pell Grants. In 2024, 85,772 UC undergraduates received Pell Grants—a jump of 7,180 from the previous year. This marked the second consecutive year of growth in Pell Grant recipients after years of decline.
Pell Grants, awarded to students from the lowest-income families, offer critical financial support and do not require repayment. For the 2024-25 academic year, the maximum grant amount reached $7,395, further easing the financial burden for many students.
