Public Institution

University of California-Berkeley — Berkeley, California

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Annual Tuition $14,850

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 11.7%

Most Selective

Enrollment 33,073

Active Students

Avg. Salary $92,446

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Berkeley, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of California-Berkeley stands as a pillar of higher education in Berkeley, providing a robust academic foundation for 33,073 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of California-Berkeley offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of California-Berkeley. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences

18.3%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

15.1%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

12.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

10%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources

4.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of California-Berkeley provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of California-Berkeley provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at University of California-Berkeley provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at University of California-Berkeley provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Berkeley?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 11.7%

Difficulty Extremely High

University of California-Berkeley maintains an acceptance rate of 11.7%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 44.1%

Women Enrollment 55.9%

Open Pathway Confirmed

University of California-Berkeley follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for University of California-Berkeley.

Official Admission Portal

How much does University of California-Berkeley cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,850

Out-of-State Tuition $45,627

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 27.3%

Median Student Debt $13,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,850, graduates see a median starting salary of $92,446, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can University of California-Berkeley graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $92,446

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 92.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,979

Median Salary (6yr) $74,919

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of California-Berkeley in Berkeley?

33,073 Students

Gender Comparison

44.1% Men

55.9% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

96.8%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

35.2%

Black

2.1%

White

19.5%

Unknown

3.4%

Hispanic

21.8%

Two or More Races

6.2%

International

11.5%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

🎓

First-Generation 34.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 69.5%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 2.6%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 82.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$77,601
Average Family Income	$54,799
Median Family Income	$31,227

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

57.2%

42.8%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Berkeley Campus Environment

Located at 200 California Hall, University of California-Berkeley offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of California-Berkeley compare?

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Common Questions about University of California-Berkeley

Is University of California-Berkeley a good college in Berkeley, California?

University of California-Berkeley is a recognized institution in Berkeley with an enrollment of 33,073 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is University of California-Berkeley worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $92,446 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of California-Berkeley cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of California-Berkeley is approximately $14,850. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $45,627. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of California-Berkeley after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of California-Berkeley for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 69.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of California-Berkeley good for Social Sciences and Computer Science programs?

University of California-Berkeley reports program activity in Social Sciences and Computer Science. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending University of California-Berkeley?

Graduates of University of California-Berkeley often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $92,446, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of California-Berkeley?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on University of California-Berkeley's official admissions website.

Does University of California-Berkeley require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on University of California-Berkeley's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of California-Berkeley graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of California-Berkeley earn a median salary of $92,446 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of California-Berkeley a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare University of California-Berkeley's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is University of California-Berkeley located and what is the campus like?

University of California-Berkeley is located at 200 California Hall in Berkeley, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 33,073 learners.

Who typically attends University of California-Berkeley in Berkeley, CA?

The student body at University of California-Berkeley is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 34.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of California-Berkeley with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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