University of California-Berkeley: 11.3% Acceptance Rate

11.3%Acceptance

$14,850Tuition

33,073Students

93%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$92,446Earnings

#1 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of California-Berkeley

UC Berkeley is the flagship of America's most strong public university system. With 33,073 students spread across a mid-sized city campus, this research powerhouse has produced tech titans like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The school accepts just 11.33% of applicants, making it more selective than most Ivy League schools. Berkeley built its reputation on groundbreaking research and fierce social activism dating back to the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s.

The financial picture looks surprisingly good for a top-tier university. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,895 net price annually, while even middle-class families rarely pay more than $18,713. Graduates earn a median of $92,446 ten years after graduation, making Berkeley one of the best educational investments in America. With typical debt of only $13,000 and monthly loan payments around $138, most students avoid the crushing debt loads common elsewhere.

Berkeley's student body reflects California's diversity, with 35.24% Asian students and 21.80% Hispanic students creating one of the most multicultural campuses in higher education. The 96.75% retention rate shows students stick around despite the academic intensity. Twenty-six varsity sports teams compete as the Golden Bears, though academics clearly take priority over athletics at this intellectual powerhouse.

Academics & Faculty

UC Berkeley ranks among the world's top public research universities, with particular strength in engineering, computer science, and business programs that have produced tech giants like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means competition for professor attention in this research-focused environment where faculty prioritize groundbreaking discoveries alongside teaching. Berkeley's 93.45% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor that challenges students while providing strong institutional support. The university's activist culture extends into academics, with programs in social sciences and public policy that encourage students to tackle real-world problems. Research opportunities abound, though undergraduates must be proactive about securing spots in faculty labs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 70.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 93.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 92.9%
Retention Rate: 96.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $92,446
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$171,936
Law.	Doctoral	$142,470
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$128,868
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$125,388
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$122,038
Information Science/Studies.	Master	$119,358
Mechanical Engineering.	Doctoral	$109,763
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.	Master	$92,632
Optometry.	Doctoral	$91,363
Mechanical Engineering.	Master	$85,760

View all 273 programs →

Campus Life

Berkeley sits across the bay from San Francisco, close enough for weekend trips but far enough to maintain its own identity. Only 30% of students live on campus due to limited housing capacity of 9,899 for 33,073 students. Most upperclassmen rent apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods, creating a college town atmosphere throughout the area.

The Mediterranean climate means light jackets suffice for winter, though Bay Area fog can roll in unexpectedly. Students bike everywhere, navigating the hilly terrain between academic buildings and Telegraph Avenue's eclectic mix of bookstores and cafes. With 35% Asian students and strong diversity across ethnicities, campus dining reflects global influences. Weekends often involve protests on Sproul Plaza, hikes in the Berkeley Hills, or exploring San Francisco's museums and neighborhoods.

The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but students actively engage in research opportunities. Campus traditions include the Big Game against Stanford and late-night study sessions in the towering Main Library. The activist culture remains strong, with students regularly organizing around social and political causes that extend far beyond campus borders.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 9,899 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1125 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	424	0	40	58
Burglary	92	15	58	0
Stalking	70	24	5	2
Aggravated Assault	33	9	24	28
Rape	61	10	10	4
Robbery	18	1	3	37
Fondling	13	3	2	9
Arson	14	4	6	2
Domestic Violence	10	4	7	3
Dating Violence	12	5	1	2
Statutory Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 43°–58°F
July Avg: 53°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 26.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

UC Berkeley draws a remarkably diverse student body that reflects California's demographics and the university's progressive values. Asian students make up over one-third of enrollment, while Hispanic students represent more than one-fifth, creating a majority-minority campus. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, typical for selective research universities. Three-quarters of students come from California, showing Berkeley's role as the state's top public institution. More than one-quarter receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to economic accessibility despite its top academic reputation.

Men: 44.1%
Women: 55.9%
White: 19.5%
Black: 2.1%
Hispanic: 21.8%
Asian: 35.2%
In-State Students: 74.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.3%

Location

UC Berkeley sits in Berkeley, California, just across the San Francisco Bay from downtown San Francisco, about 10 miles northeast of the city. The campus sprawls across 1,232 acres in the East Bay hills, offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. Berkeley epitomizes the classic college town atmosphere, with Telegraph Avenue serving as the bustling student corridor filled with bookstores, cafes, and vintage shops. The surrounding Bay Area provides endless internship and job opportunities in tech, finance, and startups. Students benefit from both the intimate college town feel and proximity to one of America's most active metropolitan regions. Students considering colleges in California may also compare UC Berkeley with similar schools in the region.

Address: Berkeley, California 94720

Wheeler Hall, University of California, Berkeley

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $92,446
Median Earnings (5 years): $95,520
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $57,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $138/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,000

Frequently Asked Questions

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

UC Berkeley accepts just 11.33% of applicants, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. The school attracts top students nationwide who compete for spots at this strong research institution known for academic excellence and social activism.

How much does University of California-Berkeley cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,979, though this varies dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,895 on average, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $35,154, reflecting the university's commitment to affordability for lower-income students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of California-Berkeley?

The student-faculty ratio is 18:1 with an enrollment of 33,073 students. Despite being a large research university, Berkeley maintains strong academic rigor with a 96.75% retention rate and consistently ranks among the top public universities globally.

How much do University of California-Berkeley graduates earn?

Berkeley graduates earn a median salary of $92,446 ten years after graduation. The university's strong reputation in technology and research, with notable alumni like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, helps graduates secure high-paying positions.

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

The campus sits in Berkeley, California, a mid-size city known for its progressive culture and proximity to San Francisco. With housing for 9,899 students and 26 varsity sports teams competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Golden Bears offer a active college experience in one of the most politically active college towns in America.

What is the student diversity like at University of California-Berkeley?

Asian students make up 35.24% of the student body, while Hispanic students represent 21.80% and white students 19.52%. This reflects California's diverse population and the university's commitment to serving students from all backgrounds, with 27.33% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families.