Date: September 23, 2024
Source: U.S. News and World Report
UC Berkeley has been ranked as the No. 2 public school in the United States for 2025, according to the latest college rankings released by U.S. News and World Report. This year, UCLA claimed the top spot, marking a change from last year when Berkeley tied for first place with UCLA.
Historical Context
- For over two decades, Berkeley has consistently ranked among the top public institutions, holding the No. 1 position 15 times and the No. 2 position multiple times.
- In addition to its overall ranking, Berkeley secured top spots in specific programs, including environmental health and data science/analytics.
Chancellor’s Statement
Chancellor Rich Lyons expressed pride in Berkeley’s achievements, stating, “Berkeley continues to stand out as a world-class institution of higher education and research.” He emphasized the institution’s commitment to supporting its diverse community and continued pursuit of excellence.
Recent Accolades and Achievements
- Berkeley has 26 faculty Nobel laureates and offers 400 degree programs, with 30 graduate programs ranked in the Top 10 by U.S. News.
- The university also has a strong legacy in athletics, boasting 246 all-time Olympic medals.
- Recent rankings also highlight Berkeley as the top public university in Forbes’ list of America’s top colleges and as the leading institution for startup founders and female entrepreneurs, according to PitchBook.
Ongoing Developments
- Berkeley is currently undergoing significant transformations, including construction projects for new student housing and academic buildings.
- The university joined the Atlantic Coast Conference to enhance its athletic program’s long-term stability.
Rankings Overview
In addition to its No. 2 overall ranking, Berkeley placed in the top five in 28 of 44 other categories, such as entrepreneurship and undergraduate psychology programs. In the combined rankings of public and private universities, Berkeley ranked No. 17. Every UC undergraduate campus was also listed among the top 100 universities.
Changes in Ranking Methodology
This year’s U.S. News rankings reflect changes in methodology, including the removal of six-year graduation rates for first-generation students and increased emphasis on Pell grant recipients’ graduation rates.
