University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, average net price of $13,481, and a national rank of #23 (Grade A+), with a 92.8% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $74,919 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 129.9%, roughly 80.0 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community.
Who is University of California-Berkeley Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Berkeley graduates 92.8% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Berkeley's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,619 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of University of California-Berkeley students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $5,311 to $34,529 depending on family income. Use University of California-Berkeley's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,074/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,529/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $74,919
- 10-Year Median Earnings $74,919
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.2%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Berkeley graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of California-Berkeley vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Berkeley's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Berkeley's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Berkeley graduates report median earnings of $74,919 six years after enrollment, +71% above the national median. The 129.9% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 92.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of California-Berkeley
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Berkeley requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 11.0%, University of California-Berkeley is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Berkeley's 11.0% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Berkeley undergraduates. Computer Science, Economics, and Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences draw the most students.
- Computer Science 8.3%
- Economics 7.4%
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences 7.1%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 5.0%
- Political Science and Government 4.7%
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine 4.4%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $240,462
- 2. Computer Science $225,140
- 3. Statistics $145,658
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $145,003
- 5. Applied Mathematics $144,689
- 6. Chemical Engineering $126,322
- 7. Economics $125,636
- 8. Social Sciences, Other $113,294
- 9. Mechanical Engineering $112,325
- 10. Urban Studies/Affairs $105,067
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $266,651
- 2. Information Science/Studies (Master's Degree) $214,399
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degree) $208,670
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (First Professional Degree) $202,958
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $197,300
- 6. Law (First Professional Degree) $188,806
- 7. Information Science/Studies (First Professional Degree) $175,482
- 8. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $165,865
- 9. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $135,617
- 10. Chemical Engineering (Master's Degree) $122,239
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $240,462—129% more than Urban Studies/Affairs ($105,067). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $266,651 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of California-Berkeley. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 845 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 751 graduates)
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 724 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree, 506 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 482 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (80 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Cognitive Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Sociology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Social Sciences, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Statistics
- Biology, General
- Public Health
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- Nutrition Sciences
- Architecture
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Civil Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International/Global Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Operations Research
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Materials Sciences
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Music
- Environmental Design
- Landscape Architecture
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Science
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Nuclear Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Dance
- Forestry
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Engineering, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Geography and Cartography
- Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (83 programs)▼
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Operations Research
- Public Policy Analysis
- Applied Mathematics
- Social Work
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sustainability Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Statistics
- Materials Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Physics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Nuclear Engineering
- Education, General
- Computer Science
- International/Global Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Sociology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- Engineering, General
- Anthropology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Architecture
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Chemistry
- Music
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Plant Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Forestry
- Economics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Nutrition Sciences
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Demography and Population Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Real Estate Development
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Landscape Architecture
- Journalism
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biology, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
- Biochemical Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (77 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Education, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- History
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Political Science and Government
- Operations Research
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Statistics
- Nuclear Engineering
- Materials Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Music
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Engineering, General
- Area Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Information Science/Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Social Work
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Architecture
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Public Health
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Nutrition Sciences
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Social Sciences, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Law
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Demography and Population Studies
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Social Work
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Optometry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Optometry
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 19.8%
- Asian 35.4%
- Hispanic 22.1%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Berkeley's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Berkeley's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Berkeley support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Berkeley, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Berkeley has a diverse student body, with 19.8% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Berkeley support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Berkeley, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-Berkeley delivers an impressive 129.9% return on investment while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #23 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 92.8% six-year graduation rate and $74,919 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $13,481 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 96.8% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: University of California-Berkeley's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A+ | National Rank: #23 of 6119 | 98.7/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $13,481 annually, University of California-Berkeley costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 129.9% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($74,919 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 575 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. University of California-Berkeley balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 92.8% six-year graduation rate sits 30.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.8% first-year retention is 20.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 129.9% return on investment is 80.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $74,919 run about 71% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,481 is roughly $3,946 lower than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of California-Berkeley is a public university based in Berkeley, CA and earns a A+ overall grade. It holds a #23 national ranking Completion earns A+, Support B+, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 92.8%. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 129.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,481 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,619.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $32,138 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $74,919 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 71% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 88.0%.
Plan around an ROI of about 129.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
11.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Berkeley admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of California-Berkeley's acceptance rate?
University of California-Berkeley's acceptance rate is 11.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of California-Berkeley cost?
At University of California-Berkeley, the average net price after aid is $13,481. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of California-Berkeley's ranking?
University of California-Berkeley ranks #23 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of California-Berkeley's graduation rate?
At University of California-Berkeley, the six-year graduation rate is 92.8%.
What are University of California-Berkeley's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-Berkeley report median earnings of $74,919 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Berkeley, CA 94720
- Website www.berkeley.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$2.98B