University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, an average net price of $14,538, and an overall rank of #37 (Grade A+). About 93.7% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $96,547 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education 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, and 96.8% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 155.8%, roughly 105.9 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
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 93.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 94.2% and keeps 96.8% of first-year students. 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
Est. annual aid gap: $33,304 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $17,198 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,442 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $24,858 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $8,078 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $47,842 |
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: About 31.9% of University of California-Berkeley students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
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 $5,110 to $37,451 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 $16,064/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $37,451/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $96,547
- 10-Year Median Earnings $100,212
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $12,416
- Debt-to-Earnings ~12.9%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.2%
- Employment Rate 90.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Berkeley graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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.
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 33,068
- Full-Time Students 95.5%
- Part-Time Students 4.5%
- Retention Rate 96.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 93.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 94.2%
- 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
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 994 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 909 graduates)
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 761 graduates)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 737 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 637 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Political Science and Government
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Cognitive Science
- English Language and Literature, General
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
- Public Health
- Social Sciences, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Statistics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Physics
- Architecture
- History
- Nutrition Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Social Work
- International/Globalization Studies
- Anthropology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Operations Research
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Music
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Materials Sciences
- Environmental Design
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Engineering Science
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Nuclear Engineering
- Landscape Architecture
- Engineering, Other
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Dance
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Forestry
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Physical Sciences, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Geography and Cartography
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Agricultural Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (85 programs)▼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Operations Research
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Social Work
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Applied Mathematics
- Sustainability Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Statistics
- Materials Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Sociology
- Education, General
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biochemical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computer Science
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International/Globalization Studies
- History
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Demography
- Anthropology
- Music
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Architecture
- Forestry
- Area Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biology, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Plant Sciences
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering, General
- Economics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Philosophy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Real Estate Development
- Psychology, General
- Nutrition Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Landscape Architecture
- Journalism
- Geography and Cartography
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online Doctoral Degrees (77 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Materials Sciences
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Education, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Sociology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Nuclear Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Operations Research
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Anthropology
- Engineering, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Statistics
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Public Health
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Applied Mathematics
- Social Work
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Philosophy
- Nutrition Sciences
- Information Science/Studies
- Education, Other
- Demography
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Area Studies
- Architecture
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Social Sciences, Other
- Psychology, General
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Law
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
- Agricultural Business and Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Optometry
- Social Work
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Optometry
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 33,068
- Full-Time Students 95.5%
- Part-Time Students 4.5%
- Male Students 44.2%
- Female Students 55.8%
- Caucasian 19.8%
- Asian 35.4%
- Hispanic 22.1%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.9%
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 0.0% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #37 overall, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 93.7% graduation rate and $96,547 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $14,538 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+ | Overall Rank: #37 of 1934 | 98.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $14,538 annually, University of California-Berkeley costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 0.0% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($96,547 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, 0 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
- 93.7% graduation rate sits 31.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.8% first-year retention is 20.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $96,547 run about 57% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,538 is roughly $5,370 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 90.1% employment rate within three years is 21.9 points above the national 68.2%.
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.
- 90.1% employment rate within three years sits 21.9 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.9% trails the national share by 6.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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 #37 overall 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.
About 96.8% of first-year students return; 93.7% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 94.2%. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $14,538 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,842.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,304 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,416 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
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 $96,547 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 57% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.1%.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of California-Berkeley: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-berkeley/
MLA (9th): “University of California-Berkeley: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-berkeley/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of California-Berkeley: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-california-berkeley/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does University of California-Berkeley cost?
At University of California-Berkeley, listed tuition and fees are $17,198 per year, and the average net price after aid is $14,538. 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 #37 overall 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 graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 93.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 94.2%, and first-year retention is 96.8%.
What are University of California-Berkeley's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of California-Berkeley report median earnings of $96,547 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of California-Berkeley's student population?
University of California-Berkeley enrolls about 33,068 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 200 California Hall, 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
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.3%