Building on this past year’s enrollment gains, the University of California again announces high-water mark numbers with notable increases across its campuses for fall 2024. According to data released today, Jan. 7, total California resident undergraduate enrollment grew by 3,910 students — a 2 percent rise over the previous year. Incoming California undergraduates, first-years and transfers, now stand at 60,644 students.
This growth reinforces UC’s dedication to expanding access to the state’s students and fulfilling the University’s compact with Gov. Newsom, and with the Legislature’s support, to grow in-state enrollment.
This fall’s total student body stood at 299,407. This growth includes an increase of 9,344 California resident undergraduate students, nearly 5 percent, since fall 2021. At the same time, the proportion of nonresident undergraduate enrollment declined from 16.5 percent in 2023 to 15.8 percent this fall, a reduction of 1,112 students. The enrollment numbers also show significant growth in students from underrepresented groups (URGs), transfer students, Pell Grant recipients, and graduate students.
Fall headcount enrollment
| Fall 2023 | Fall 2024 | Year-over-year change (#) | Year-over-year change (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total* | 295,573 | 299,407 | +3,834 | 1.3% |
| Undergraduate | 233,272 | 236,070 | +2,798 | 1.2% |
| California resident | 194,808 | 198,718 | +3,910 | 2.0% |
| Nonresident | 38,464 | 37,352 | -1,112 | -2.9% |
| Graduate | 62,229 | 63,219 | +990 | 1.6% |
| New undergraduate California resident** | 60,007 | 60,644 | +637 | 1.1% |
| First-year | 42,108 | 41,950 | -158 | -0.4% |
| Transfer | 17,850 | 18,653 | +803 | 4.5% |
| Undergraduate: Underrepresented groups | 73,691 | 76,259 | +2,568 | 3.5% |
*Includes postbaccalaureate students
**Includes a small number of “other” new students not identified as first-year or transfer students
“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,” said President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “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.”
Enrollment of URG undergraduate students increased by 2,568, growing their proportion from 31.6 percent to 32.3 percent among undergraduates. Notably, African American student enrollment rose by 4.6 percent, American Indian student enrollment by 12.9 percent, and Latino student enrollment by 3.1 percent. This progress underscores UC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment that reflects California.
As testament to UC’s commitment to expanding pathways to community college transfer students, UC’s incoming class of transfers grew to 18,653 students, a 4.5 percent increase. To build on these gains, the University recently launched its transfer hub to further expand access to California community college students.
“The students behind these numbers come from all corners of California and are proof that there are many paths to a UC education,” said Han Mi Yoon-Wu, associate vice provost for Systemwide Undergraduate Admissions. “The University of California is committed to making UC accessible to the best students. Our efforts are guided by the University’s compact with the governor, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of the state legislature in helping us fulfill this promise.”
UC also saw a significant increase in the enrollment of Pell Grant recipients, which rose by 7,180 students for a total of 85,772, representing 9.1 percent growth from fall 2023. This increase, now comprising 36.3 percent of the undergraduate population, highlights UC’s role in providing educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. It should be noted that Pell Grant trends are difficult to evaluate because of recent changes to eligibility requirements. With this year’s new FAFSA and revised Pell eligibility formula, enrollment of students qualifying for Pell increased nationally this fall.
Graduate student enrollment grew by 990 students, a 1.6 percent increase after a dip last year. This growth keeps UC’s graduate student population at 21 percent of total enrollment with gains in academic master’s (7.1 percent), graduate professional (2.5 percent), and professional doctorate (13.2 percent) programs. These numbers help offset a 1.2 percent decline in academic doctoral enrollment this year and reflect UC’s robust support for advanced education and research.
Fall 2024 enrollment data is available here: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us/information-center/fall-enrollment-glance