University of California-Berkeley
About University of California-Berkeley
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UC Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, California. It is widely regarded as one of the best public universities in the world, with top programs in engineering, computer science, business, and the sciences. Berkeley has produced more Nobel laureates than most countries.
Founded
1868
Location
Berkeley, California
Students
45,880
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
11%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
92.8%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$16,347
Out-of-state: $50,547
Avg Net Price
$13,481
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$92,446
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 9 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Nov 30
Getting into University of California-Berkeley is competitive at 11%. Solid academics and well-crafted application materials give you the best shot.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
92.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.8%
4-Year Grad
79%
6-Year Grad
93%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
69.6%
$/Student
$23.7K
Class Size
Large
79% graduate in 4 years, and 96.8% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$16,347
In-State
$50,547
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$23,750
Books & Supplies
$1,131
Total Cost of Attendance
$45,619
After Financial Aid
$13,481
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$5,311
Receive Grants
28.6%
Take Loans
16.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $45,619/yr for in-state students, including $23,750 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,481. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $50,547.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of California-Berkeley fund their education.
While in School
28.6%
Get Grants
Free money
16.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$31,227
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$13,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$138/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $13,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of California-Berkeley.
Gender
55.8%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
33,068
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
12,812
Graduates
34.6%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
5.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 34.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 9.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
33,068
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +World-class academics at public university tuition
- +San Francisco Bay Area access for careers and culture
- +Vibrant, politically engaged campus culture
- +Incredible diversity of thought and background
Cons
- -Large class sizes, especially freshman year
- -Berkeley area cost of living is extremely high
- -Campus can feel overwhelming due to size
- -Housing shortage is a real problem
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of California-Berkeley fields 17 varsity teams with 1,088 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Pacific-12
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
17
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,088
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
621
Men
467
Women
12
Men's Teams
14
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of California-Berkeleyearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$92,446
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$150K
994 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$80K
909 grads
1yr Earnings
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
$43K
761 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$88K
737 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$137K
480 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$47K
464 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $75K six years out, climb to $68K by year eight, and reach $92K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of California-Berkeley
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Berkeley?▾
How much does University of California-Berkeley cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of California-Berkeley?▾
How much do University of California-Berkeley graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.