University of California-Berkeley
A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $79,000 within 10 years; exceptional 93% graduation rate.
About This School
University of California-Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California with approximately 33,073 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 12%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,979 per year. The graduation rate is 93%, and the typical graduate earns $79,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
The University of California, Berkeley is a public land-grant research university in the Southside and Northside neighborhoods of Berkeley, California, United States. Founded in 1868 and named after the Anglo-Irish philosopher George Berkeley, it is the state's first land-grant university and the founding campus of the University of California system.
This is a strong option for students who want a prestigious public university education at a surprisingly reasonable price — the average net cost of just $14,979/year and a median debt of only $12,000 at graduation make it one of the better financial deals among highly selective schools. With a 93% graduation rate, 97% freshman retention, and median earnings of $79,000 a decade out, the outcomes back up the reputation. The main concern is straightforward: a 12% acceptance rate means most applicants won't get in, so treat it as a reach and build a realistic list around it.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (33,073 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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