UC Enrolls Record Number of Low Income Students

New admissions data shows that the University of California is serving a record number of low-income students.

UC officials said Friday an estimated 39 percent of all UC undergraduates enrolled for fall 2010 receive Federal Pell Grants, which are generally awarded to students with family incomes below $50,000.

That's up from 31 percent two years ago and largest percentage in UC's history.

UC President Mark Yudof said the data shows that despite budget cuts and steep tuition increases UC continues to enroll an undergraduate student body that's representative of California's diverse population.

Officials attributed the increase in low-income students to the economic downturn's impact on California families and UC's aggressive financial aid program.