The University of California was founded in 1868 as a public, State-supported land grant institution

UC is written into the State Constitution as a public trust to be administered under the authority of an independent governing board, The Regents of the University of California.

UC's current operating budget is nearly $16 billion. The state of California provides roughly 20% of UC’s operating budget.

In 1970, UC received about 7% of the state general fund budget. Today, the figure has fallen to 4%.

Since 2000-01, UC’s state-funded operating budget has declined 15%, while at the same time its student enrollment has grown 19%.

UC plays a vital role in the state’s economy triggering $14.3 billion to $16.7 billion in economic growth and $4 billion in state and local tax revenues (2002).

For every $1 in state-funded research, UC secures $4 more in federal/private R&D.

UC develops more patents than any other university – 11 years in a row. UC researchers develop 3 new inventions per day (2002); 6,600 active inventions total.

UC has the largest health sciences training program in the nation – 12,000 students annually.

UC trains nearly 2/3 of medical students in the state.

UC hospitals are regional leaders in providing emergency and trauma services.

Medicare and Medicaid provide more than 34% of UC Academic Medical Centers' net patient revenues.
($879 million in 2000-01)

UC is one of the largest safety net providers in California providing more than $225 million in charity care. (2000-01)

UC Systemwide Profile