University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, California · Public · 11.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 97/100 · Exceptional Value
University of California-Berkeley
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,347/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $50,547/yr |
| Average net price | $13,481/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $53,924 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,446 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $57,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $13,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $138 |
| Estimated payback period | 3.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 92.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 33,068 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,311 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,501 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,693 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,074 |
| $110,001+ | $34,529 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of California-Berkeley with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $204,379 | A |
| Economics | $135,050 | A |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $66,577 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $88,030 | A |
| Electrical Engineering | $200,543 | A |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $78,624 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $144,599 | A |
| International Relations | $75,128 | B+ |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $64,904 | B |
| Sociology | $71,363 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of California-Berkeley is $16,347/year ($50,547/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,481/year, or roughly $53,924 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $5,311/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $34,529/year.
The median graduate leaves with $13,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $138 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $92,446 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.23 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 82.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 84.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 80.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 11.0% |
| Enrollment | 33,068 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 28.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $21,246 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley (this school) | 97 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | 97 | $12,116 | $102,772 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 95 | $13,138 | $83,648 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 94 | $11,655 | $72,200 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of California-Berkeley is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $53,924 and median graduate earnings of $92,446 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 3.4 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 92.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $13,000 is very manageable against $92,446 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.