Record High In-State Enrollment at UC Berkeley and UCLA Boosts Black and Latino Student Numbers
The University of California saw a surge in Californian enrollment in Fall 2024, with UC Berkeley and UCLA leading the charge to boost numbers of Black and Latino students at elite institutions after the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. The data released on Tuesday revealed a significant increase in the number of in-state students at the UC system’s nine undergraduate campuses, spanning from Davis to San Diego. This shift comes amidst mounting pressure for greater access to Californians in higher education and a spotlight on the racial composition of student bodies in a state where race and gender are not considered in admissions.
In total, 198,718 Californians were enrolled for the academic year, making up 84.2% of the undergraduate population compared to 83.5% the previous year. Notably, 60,644 first-year and transfer students hailed from California, with six campuses experiencing growth in this category. UC San Diego led the pack with a substantial increase from 8,436 to 8,907 California residents. However, three campuses – Irvine, Riverside, and Merced – witnessed declines in in-state enrollment.
Commitment to Access and Opportunity
UC President Michael V. Drake emphasized the institution’s dedication to expanding access and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds. The commitment to providing a world-class education to California’s brightest minds is reflected in the enrollment figures, showcasing the state’s investment in its students and the unwavering efforts of UC’s staff, faculty, and campus leaders.
Racial Diversity on the Rise
The data also highlighted a positive trend in racial diversity across UC campuses, with increases seen in most races and ethnicities. Asian Americans remained the largest group at 36.3% of undergraduates, followed by Latinos at 26.7% and white students at 19.8%. Notably, the enrollment of Black students surged by 494 to a total of 11,257, comprising 4.8% of the student body. This increase defied the national trend seen at many elite institutions post-affirmative action ruling.
Comparative Analysis with Elite Universities
The enrollment trends at UCLA and Berkeley, the most selective UC campuses, bucked the national decline in Black and Latino student numbers. At Berkeley, new Black student enrollment rose to 400, accounting for 4.4% of the class, while UCLA welcomed 717 new Black students, representing 6.9% of first-year and transfer students. These figures contrasted with the downward trend observed at other top U.S. universities, where Black and Latino student enrollment plummeted.
Focus on Accessibility and Support
Han Mi Yoon-Wu, associate vice provost for Systemwide Undergraduate Admissions, underscored the diverse pathways available for students to access a UC education. The increase in low-income students receiving Pell Grants highlighted UC’s commitment to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities.
As the educational landscape evolves, the University of California’s efforts to enhance inclusivity and foster a diverse student body serve as a beacon of progress in higher education. The record high in-state enrollment and the boost in Black and Latino student numbers at UC Berkeley and UCLA signal a positive shift towards greater representation and accessibility in academia.