University of California freshmen math failure rates rise

Nearly 18 percent of freshmen across the University of California system failed to pass introductory math courses during the 2025-26 academic year, according to data reported by EdSource. This figure represents a significant increase from the 9.2 percent failure or withdrawal rate recorded in 2020-21.

The rise in failure rates follows the UC system's decision to drop the SAT and ACT as mandatory admission requirements. The 2020-21 academic year was the last in which these standardized tests were required for first-year admission. During the 2025-26 period, students averaged a 2.7 GPA in introductory math, down from a 3.18 average in 2020-21.

Failure rates vary significantly by campus. UC Merced reported the highest rate, with 36.4 percent of freshmen failing or withdrawing. In contrast, UC Santa Barbara recorded the lowest rate at 8.2 percent. Faculty and political figures have noted the growing divide in student preparedness, with some calling for the reinstatement of standardized testing to ensure students possess the necessary skills for university-level mathematics.