Book a private University of California, Berkeley tour

Founded in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley is a public research university located in Berkeley, California, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. As the flagship institution of the UC system, Berkeley offers a broad range of academic programs, a strong research focus, vibrant student life, and nationally competitive athletics. A University of California Berkeley campus tour allows prospective students to explore academic buildings, libraries, residence halls, and iconic campus spaces.

As of fall 2024, UC Berkeley enrolls approximately 45,882 students, including 33,070 undergraduates and 12,812 graduate students. Despite its size, UC Berkeley campus tours highlight how the university maintains a strong sense of community through residential neighborhoods, student organizations, academic colleges, and advising networks.

The UC Berkeley acceptance rate is approximately 11–12%, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. The middle 50% of admitted students typically report unweighted GPAs between 3.89 and 4.00. Participating in guided campus tours at UC Berkeley helps applicants better understand Berkeley’s holistic admissions process and academic expectations.

The UC Berkeley cost varies by residency status. For the 2023–2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees were approximately $16,832 for California residents and $51,032 for out-of-state students. Graduate tuition varies by program. About 62% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with average gift aid exceeding $23,000. Guides on UC Berkeley campus tours often share insights into scholarships, housing costs, and living expenses in the Bay Area.

In national evaluations, UC Berkeley ranking placements consistently reflect its academic strength. According to U.S. News & World Report, Berkeley ranks #20 among National Universities and remains one of the top public universities in the United States. Taking part in University of California Berkeley tours gives prospective students a firsthand look at the academic quality behind these rankings.

UC Berkeley academics include more than 350 degree programs across engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 19:1, students benefit from both world-class research facilities and meaningful faculty engagement. A UC Berkeley campus tour showcases classrooms, labs, libraries, and innovation hubs where students pursue hands-on learning.

UC Berkeley traditions play a central role in campus life, including the Big Game against Stanford, the Campanile Midnight Serenade, Caltopia, the 59-Minute Base Run, and Bear Territory chants. Experiencing these moments during UC Berkeley tours highlights the pride and unity of the Cal community.

Notable UC Berkeley campus landmarks include Sather Gate, the Campanile (Sather Tower), Doe Memorial Library, Sproul Plaza, and Memorial Glade. A UC Berkeley campus tour brings these historic spaces to life while showcasing Berkeley’s scenic and walkable campus.

The UC Berkeley student body includes students from across California, the United States, and more than 100 countries worldwide. More than 75% of students are California residents. Campus tours at UC Berkeley provide insight into the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape student life at Berkeley.