At $14,979/yr net price, University of California-Berkeley graduates earn $92,446/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $58,446/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,979 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,446/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,446/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,751/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,424/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,713/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,154/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $171,936 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $142,470 | $155,891 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $128,868 | $13,674 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $125,388 | $13,750 |
| 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 | $151,667 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $85,760 |
The Risk Factor
92.9% of students at University of California-Berkeley graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UC Berkeley delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $92,446 ten years after graduation at a net price under $15,000 annually. The combination of low debt loads and high-paying career outcomes makes this one of the better public university investments in California.
Business and engineering majors see the highest payoffs, with business graduates earning over $170,000 and electrical engineering graduates pulling in $128,000 with minimal debt. Computer science majors also command strong salaries at $125,000. Law school graduates earn well but carry significantly higher debt at nearly $156,000, which dims the return compared to undergraduate programs.
Your biggest financial risk is admission difficulty rather than cost. Berkeley's 96% retention rate and 93% graduation rate mean you'll likely finish if you get in, but the competitive admissions process makes this school inaccessible to many qualified students. Out-of-state students face much higher costs that change the financial equation entirely.
Berkeley works best financially if you're a California resident planning to study business, engineering, or computer science. The low in-state costs combined with Silicon Valley and Bay Area job opportunities create an ideal setup for career earnings. Liberal arts majors still benefit from Berkeley's brand recognition but won't see the same dramatic salary premiums.
Financial aid covers relatively few students at 27%, reflecting the school's public mission to serve middle-class California families. Merit scholarships are limited, so your aid package will depend primarily on need-based grants. The low median debt of $13,000 reflects both affordable tuition and the fact that many students graduate debt-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UC Berkeley worth the cost compared to other universities?
UC Berkeley offers strong ROI with a net price of $15,000 and median earnings of $92,000 ten years after graduation. The low median debt of $13,000 and 93% graduation rate make it financially safer than most private alternatives.
Which UC Berkeley programs provide the best return on investment?
Business and law programs at UC Berkeley lead in earnings, with business graduates averaging $172,000 and law graduates $142,000. Engineering and computer science also perform well, with starting salaries around $125,000.
How much student debt do UC Berkeley graduates typically have?
UC Berkeley graduates carry a median debt of just $13,000, well below the national average. The combination of strong financial aid and California's public university pricing keeps debt manageable for most students.
Does UC Berkeley's financial aid make it affordable for low-income students?
Yes, UC Berkeley's net price averages $15,000 annually after aid, making it accessible for many families. California residents from families earning under $80,000 typically pay no tuition through the Blue and Gold program.