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EnglishWhat Is the University of California?
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The University of California (UC) is a public research university system made up of 10 campuses, 6 academic health centers, 3 national laboratories, and a network of agricultural and natural resource centers. It is best understood as one university operating across many locations, with three connected missions: education, research, and healthcare. This overview fits readers who want to know what UC is as an organization before looking into a specific campus, program, or research unit.
One university, many locations
UC describes itself as "one university made up of 10 campuses, 6 academic health centers, 3 national laboratories and more." Each part has a distinct role:
| Component | Count | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Campuses | 10 | Nine offer undergraduate and graduate education; one focuses exclusively on graduate health education |
| Academic health centers | 6 (with 21 hospitals) | Keep millions of Californians healthy across the state |
| National laboratories | 3 | Overseen for the US Department of Energy; cutting-edge science |
| Agricultural and natural resource centers | Network | Statewide research and outreach |
The practical takeaway: "University of California" is not a single campus. If you are looking for a specific program, you need to identify which campus or health center offers it.
What the system is known for
UC presents itself as the world's leading public research university system and states it is the #1 public university in the U.S. Its own figures also note that 85% of UC undergraduates are from California and that it is the second-largest employer in California.
Its research identity is tied to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and to turning breakthroughs into global industries. The system frames its work around solving large problems and delivering solutions that affect everyday life.
Who this matters for
- Prospective students: Nine campuses offer undergraduate and graduate education; the tenth is graduate health education only. Campus choice determines program availability.
- Patients and health researchers: The six academic health centers and 21 hospitals are the healthcare arm of the system.
- Science and policy audiences: The three national laboratories are where UC's research mission meets US Department of Energy work.
What to check before relying on this overview
Counts and rankings on the UC site describe the system as a whole and can change over time. For decisions about admission, programs, or healthcare services, confirm details on the specific campus or health center page rather than the system homepage.