University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Rankings 2025
Berkeley, USA
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According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of California, Berkeley ranks #5 among the Best Global Universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it holds the #12 position, while in THE World University Rankings, it stands at #8.
UC Berkeley also excels in specific disciplines—its undergraduate data science course is ranked #1, and its computer science program holds the #2 spot.
This article offers a detailed look at UC Berkeley’s latest rankings across multiple global and subject-specific lists.
University of California - Berkeley Campus Rankings 2024-25
University rankings offer valuable insights into an institution's strengths, helping you align your academic and career goals with the right university. Below is a table summarizing the University of California, Berkeley's world rankings from 2023 to 2025:
| Ranking Body | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | 27 | 10 | 12 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| U.S. News Rankings | 4 | 5 | 5 |
The changing trends are depicted in the following graphical representation:
In the QS World University Rankings, the university saw fluctuations, improving significantly from 27th place in 2023 to 10th in 2024 but slightly declining to 12th in 2025.
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings remained relatively stable, with UC Berkeley moving from 8th place in 2023 to 9th in 2024 before returning to 8th in 2025. This consistency reflects its strong academic reputation and research contributions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. News Rankings positioned the university among the top five globally, with UC Berkeley ranking 4th in 2023 and slightly shifting to 5th in 2024 and 2025.
These variations highlight the differing methodologies used by ranking agencies, emphasizing UC Berkeley’s overall strong global reputation while pinpointing areas for further improvement.
Subject-Wise Ranking of University of California - Berkeley Campus
The University of California, Berkeley demonstrates exceptional performance across various academic disciplines, as reflected in subject-specific rankings by prominent organizations.
QS Subject Rankings
QS World University Rankings evaluates institutions based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact. In the 2025 rankings, UC Berkeley stands out with Engineering and Technology securing the 5th position and Accounting and Finance ranking 9th.
Below is UC Berkeley’s performance across various subjects:
| Subject | Ranking for the Year 2025 |
| Engineering and Technology | 5th |
| Accounting and Finance | 9th |
| Law | 9th |
THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings assess universities based on teaching, research, and international outlook. In 2025, UC Berkeley excels in Education Studies, securing the 2nd position, reinforcing its reputation for academic excellence.
Below are UC Berkeley's subject rankings for 2025 according to Times Higher Education:
| Subject | Ranking for the Year 2025 |
| Education Studies | 2nd |
U.S. News Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks universities based on research output, faculty excellence, and global reputation. In the 2025 rankings, UC Berkeley performs strongly in Materials Science, ranking 22nd, while Immunology holds the 68th position (tie).
Below are UC Berkeley's subject rankings for 2025 according to U.S. News & World Report:
| Subject | Ranking for the Year 2025 |
| Materials Science | 22nd |
| Immunology | 68th (tie) |
| Infectious Diseases | 98th |
| Green and Sustainable Science and Technology | 147th (tie) |
These rankings highlight UC Berkeley's strengths across a diverse range of academic fields, assisting you in aligning your educational pursuits with the university's areas of excellence.
Miscellaneous Ranking 2025
The University of California, Berkeley has achieved notable rankings in areas such as sustainability, diversity, and community engagement. Below is a table highlighting these miscellaneous rankings for 2025:
| Ranking Agency/Criteria | Ranking Description | Ranking 2025 |
| Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) | Achieved a Platinum rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) with a score of 85.39, ranking 7th among 674 institutions. | 7th |
| Best in Community Organizations | Recognized for significant student involvement with over 475 community organizations. | NA |
UC Berkeley's Platinum rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) with a score of 85.39, ranking 7th among 674 institutions, highlights its leadership in sustainability.
Additionally, its recognition for significant student involvement with over 475 community organizations showcases its commitment to social impact.
These rankings emphasize Berkeley’s excellence in sustainability and community engagement.
University of California - Berkeley Campus: Rankings Vs Acceptance Rate
The University of California, Berkeley, is known for its competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 6-12% for international students.
This selective nature underscores the high demand for its programs. Fields like Engineering and Computer Science maintain similar levels of competitiveness, reflecting the academic excellence and rigor of these disciplines.
| Course | QS University Rank 2025 | Acceptance Rate |
| Engineering and Technology | 5th | 12% |
| Accounting and Finance | 9th | 11.3% |
| Law | 9th | 12% |
University of California - Berkeley Campus: Excellence and Achievements
The University of California, Berkeley, is renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant community, and cultural innovation. Below is an overview of its recognition across these domains:
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
UC Berkeley has received numerous accolades for its outstanding academic programs and contributions to research. Below are some of the notable recognitions:
| Category | Recognition | Featured Institution |
| National University Rankings | Ranked as the best school in the country by Forbes' annual list of America's Top Colleges. | University of California, Berkeley |
| Global University Rankings | All 10 UC campuses ranked among the top 4% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings. | University of California, Berkeley |
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
UC Berkeley fosters a vibrant community that values inclusivity and diverse experiences. Below are some of the recognitions highlighting its community and lifestyle:
| Category | Recognition | Featured Institution |
| Inclusivity Initiatives | Celebrated for acknowledging and celebrating diverse heritage and history, cultivating an inclusive environment. | University of California, Berkeley |
Cultural and Creative Excellence
UC Berkeley is a hub for cultural and creative activities, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in the arts. Below are some of the recognitions in this area:
| Category | Recognition | Featured Institution |
| Cultural Diversity | Berkeley is home to diverse cultures, food, and traditions unique to California and from around the world. | University of California, Berkeley |
These recognitions underscore UC Berkeley's commitment to providing a holistic and enriching experience that extends beyond traditional academic achievements.
University of California - Berkeley Campus: Rankings Vs Acceptance Rate
The University of California, Berkeley, is known for its competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 11-12% for international students.
This selective nature underscores the high demand for its programs. Fields like Engineering and Computer Science maintain similar levels of competitiveness, reflecting the academic excellence and rigor of these disciplines.
| Course | QS University Rank 2025 | Acceptance Rate |
| Engineering and Technology | 5th | 12% |
| Accounting and Finance | 9th | 11% |
| Law | 9th | 11% |
Ranking Methodologies
Understanding how university rankings are calculated can help you make informed decisions about your education. Below is an overview of the methodologies used by three prominent ranking organizations: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, and U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings evaluates institutions based on factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty research, and international diversity.
These rankings are determined through surveys of thousands of academic professionals and employers globally, highlighting key aspects like research impact and the quality of faculty. The rankings also consider the number of international students and the institution's global reach.
Below are the key criteria used in the QS World University Rankings:
| Focus Area | Indicators | Weightage |
| Research and Discovery | Academic Reputation | 30% |
| Citations per Faculty | 20% | |
| Employability and Outcomes | Employer Reputation | 15% |
| Employment Outcomes | 5% | |
| Global Engagement | International Faculty Ratio | 5% |
| International Research Network | 5% | |
| International Student Ratio | 5% | |
| International Student Diversity | 0% | |
| Learning Experience | Faculty Student Ratio | 10% |
| Sustainability | Sustainability | 5% |
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings assess universities based on factors such as research influence, teaching quality, and the staff-to-student ratio.
They also prioritize international diversity and the institution’s ability to generate industry income, reflecting the strength of university-industry partnerships and global academic collaborations.
Below are the key criteria used by THE Rankings:
| Focus Area | Indicators | Weightage |
| Teaching | Teaching Reputation | 15% |
| Staff-to-student ratio | 4.5% | |
| Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio | 2% | |
| Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio | 5.5% | |
| Institutional income | 2.5% | |
| Research Environment | Research reputation | 18% |
| Research income | 5.5% | |
| Research productivity | 5.5% | |
| Research Quality | Citation impact | 15% |
| Research strength | 5% | |
| Research excellence | 5% | |
| Research influence | 5% | |
| International Outlook | Proportion of international students | 2.5% |
| Proportion of international staff | 2.5% | |
| International collaboration | 2.5% | |
| Industry | Industry income | 2% |
| Patents | 2% |
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
This indicator evaluates universities based on factors such as first-year retention rates, graduation rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio.
It also considers elements like student loan debt and financial resources to gauge how effectively universities support students from low-income backgrounds.
Below are the key criteria used in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings:
| Focus Indicators | Weightage |
| Graduation Rates | 16% |
| First-year retention rates | 5% |
| Graduation rate performance | 10% |
| Pell graduation rates | 5.5% |
| Pell graduation performance | 5.5% |
| College grads earning more than a high school grad | 5% |
| Borrower debt | 5% |
| Peer assessment | 20% |
| Financial resources | 8% |
| Faculty salaries | 8% |
| Full-time faculty | 3% |
| Student-faculty ratio | 4% |
| Standardized tests | 5% |
Each ranking body employs a distinct methodology, offering unique perspectives on university performance. By understanding these methodologies, you can better align your academic and career goals with the institution that best fits your aspirations.
How Will upGrad Help You?
The University of California, Berkeley empowers students and professionals with expert guidance, industry-focused programs, and flexible learning opportunities to support both academic and career progression. Preparatory courses in specialized fields like Cybersecurity and Data Science help students build a solid foundation for advanced studies.
As part of its global education initiatives, UC Berkeley offers support in the following ways:
- Personalized Mentorship: Learn from industry experts and academic leaders who provide tailored insights to help you excel in your chosen field.
- Career-Focused Programs: Develop practical skills through courses designed to align with evolving industry needs.
- Flexible Learning Paths: Access online programs and adaptable schedules, allowing you to balance education with other responsibilities.
- Professional Development: Take advantage of career coaching, job assistance, and networking opportunities to enhance your career prospects.
Explore some of the leading study abroad programs available at UC Berkeley:
Conclusion
The University of California, Berkeley, consistently ranks among the world's top universities, reflecting its academic excellence and global reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Berkeley is ranked #12, while Times Higher Education (THE) places it #8. U.S. News & World Report also recognizes its strength, ranking Berkeley #5 globally.
UC Berkeley shines across various fields, with Engineering & Technology ranked #5 and Accounting & Finance at #9 in the 2025 QS subject rankings. However, it faces strong competition in areas like Materials Science (#22) and Immunology (#68), according to U.S. News.
Other prestigious rankings also acknowledge Berkeley’s position as a leading academic institution, underscoring its research prowess, faculty quality, and global influence across disciplines.
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