The University of California (UC) has compiled a set of resources to assist prospective students as they prepare their applications for admission. The information is designed to guide applicants through various aspects of the process, including choosing a major, understanding financial aid, and exploring the outcomes of a UC degree.
For those seeking advice on the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), the UC Santa Barbara admissions team offers YouTube videos that provide guidance relevant to all nine undergraduate campuses, as there is a single application for the entire system.
Admissions directors from the University of California have addressed common questions about how first-year applications are evaluated across campuses. Additionally, applicants can access a data dashboard that presents statistics on how many first-year students apply and are admitted to each campus by academic discipline. This tool is intended to help prospective students better understand their chances when applying to specific majors.
Students interested in transferring to UC can find comprehensive information and planning tools through an online transfer hub, which consolidates necessary resources for transfer applicants.
The university reports that more than 77 percent of California applicants were offered admission for fall 2025, indicating favorable odds for in-state students.
UC offers over 300 majors across its nine undergraduate campuses. To help with major selection, an interactive tool is available that connects student interests with different fields of study. Additional resources explain career outcomes associated with various majors and include a quiz to help students identify their interests.
Regarding college affordability, nearly 70 percent of UC undergraduates receive gift aid that does not need repayment, and more than half of California undergraduates receive enough aid to cover all systemwide tuition and fees. The university highlights that over half of transfer students pay no tuition due to robust financial aid programs aimed at making higher education accessible regardless of background or starting point.
Data shows that 67% of UC graduates enter the workforce without student debt, and degrees from UC often lead to increased earnings and other long-term benefits. Alumni stories shared by the university illustrate how financial aid made college possible for them and how it impacted their careers.
For example, Miguel Tamayo, who grew up in Los Angeles, realized his goal of becoming an aerospace engineer after receiving financial support: “Receiving financial aid made me realize that going to college was totally doable.” Another student, Alexis Acosta, found ample resources when she transferred from community college: “When Alexis Acosta was ready to transfer to UC from community college, she worried about how she would fit in and how she would pay for it all. It turned out there were a lot of resources to help.”
UC degrees are linked with high-growth careers in sectors such as biotechnology, computing, engineering, finance, education, health care, and entertainment—industries central to California’s economy.
The university also emphasizes opportunities for hands-on learning and undergraduate research at all campuses. Students engage in experiential learning beyond traditional classrooms through unique classes, clubs, and programs exclusive to UC’s nine undergraduate institutions.
“Receiving financial aid made me realize that going to college was totally doable.” Meet five alumni and current students and find out how they made their way to UC and got financial aid to pay for their education in these short videos.
A UC degree launched Miguel Tamayo’s life as an aerospace engineer. Here’s how he paid for college.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Miguel Tamayo dreamed of attending the University of California but was scared that he would need to take out a ton of loans. Financial aid changed everything.
Transfer student Alexis Acosta followed her curiosity to UC. Here’s how she paid for college.
When Alexis Acosta was ready to transfer to UC from community college, she worried about how she would fit in and how she would pay for it all. It turned out there were a lot of resources to help.
