University of California, Berkeley world ranking 10. University of California, Berkeley is the world's top public research university, ranking 10 in 2023. In the evaluation criteria, Berkeley ranks among the best in academic reputation, teacher quality, paper citation rate and other indicators. Berkeley enjoys a high academic reputation in stem fields, such as engineering and computer science. Berkeley is the founding campus of the University of California and one of the most liberal and inclusive universities in the United States. 1964 The freedom of speech movement initiated by its students had a far-reaching impact on American society and changed generations' views on politics and morality.