University of California, BerkeleyFacts & Information

Founded in 1868 as the flagship campus of the University of California, UC Berkeley is a public institution with a long history of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and social and political activism. An internationally renowned research and teaching university, Berkeley encourages interdisciplinary, well-rounded education in its undergraduate students, believing that a diverse and broadly inquisitive learning experience strengthens and promotes creativity and curiosity. Close to 30 percent of freshmen are the first in their families to attend college. Its 1,232-acre campus is located in Berkeley, about 15 miles from San Francisco.