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Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
While Berkeley is considered racially diverse in the sense that Caucasians are a minority, the campus is predominately Asian or white. There is a strong representation of most races, except for an underrepresentation of African American and Hispanic students. Many culturally based clubs help connect students but have also been criticized for segregating races. Outside of these groups, the racial diversity and acceptance is impressive. Cal is home to many well-traveled, curious students who want to know more about other cultures, and nobody seems to notice different skin colors. Though it's not often appreciated, the school’s economic and social diversity enriches the campus with new perspectives. Cal is home to more Pell Grant recipients than the entire Ivy League system combined, so for a student body that is generally colorblind, this diversity plays a large role in campus life. Famous for being liberal, Berkeley is also home to a proud LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Questioning) community, which has a large presence on campus and makes the environment feel more tolerant. Furthermore, many students try to live up Berkeley’s radical, crazy stereotype by dressing boldly, which builds the campus’s overall tolerance. It’s not unusual to see students in costume, protesting political issues, or sporting bright-colored mohawks and rainbow-striped knee socks. More than anything, Cal’s diversity is tied closely to its tolerance—there are endless backgrounds represented here, and the campus tends to embrace everyone's differences. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
As a white person, it was kind of...
As a white person, it was kind of weird to be in the minority in some classes. It made me self-conscious of what I said during class, but it makes me appreciate things a lot more. |
Anonymous says: |
Racial diversity is by no means a...
Racial diversity is by no means a strong point for Berkeley, but mental and cultural diversity is great. People come here with all sorts of backgrounds and interests, so you will almost certainly learn something new from your peers. |
Anonymous says: |
The campus is diverse in different...
The campus is diverse in different ways than you might expect. Although the general political opinion is liberal, the other opinions make up for their smaller numbers by being quite vocal. The sexual diversity is almost astounding. When I arrived as a freshman, people had sexual orientations I didn’t know existed. Although the campus is diverse in many ways, ethnically is not one of them. Sometimes it seems that the student body is only white or Asian. |
Anonymous says: |
This is the most diverse campus in...
This is the most diverse campus in the country. Everyone has a different background, but everyone is tolerant and interested in others’ beliefs. It’s easy to sit down with any given person for coffee and talk for hours because each student has something fascinating to offer. |
Anonymous says: |
There is so much diversity here...
There is so much diversity here it’s impossible not to find someone or something that opposes you and your personal background or your opinions. What’s nice about being here is learning how to live with and around people with so many difference from you, yet still having them as your closest friends. |
FactsEconomic Status
Berkeley attracts students from every economic class. While there are a lot of rich Southern California students, Cal also has a sizeable population on financial aid—UC Berkeley has more Pell Grant scholars than the entire Ivy League system.
Gay Pride
The LGBT community is very active and visible on campus. The Unity House dorm option supports diverse genders and sexualities, and the Queer Resource Center hosts many events to support LGBT students. Like anywhere else in the Bay Area, it’s hard to find anyone who would speak out against gay rights or lifestyles.
Minority Clubs
There is high visibility and participation of minority organizations at Cal. The most active on Sproul Plaza are Asian organizations, minority business organizations, Christian and other religious groups, and ethnic volunteer organizations. The Gender Equity Resource Center is also very active, hosting classes that explore gender and events such as the Vagina Monologues.
Most Common Religions
Atheism and agnosticism are very popular, and many students are spiritual without being religious. Many students are Christian, Muslim, or Jewish. There are several Christian clubs, and Hillel is less than a block from campus.
Political Activity
While students tend to be more liberal, most students enjoy political debate. The Berkeley College Republicans are consistently the largest student group on campus. Many students strive to continue the tradition of radicalism started by the Free Speech Movement, and it is not uncommon to watch student protests on Upper Sproul.
Most Recent Contributing Author
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Hometown: Union City, CA
Major: History Jody enjoys playing soccer, running, and anything else related to sports! Contributing Author Internship
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