by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a UC Berkeley degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how UC Berkeley measures up.
UC Berkeley is ranked #876 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within California, it ranks #96 of 304 for value.
Among the majors UC Berkeley offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| General Engineering Science | #1 of 13 |
| Engineering Science | #1 of 13 |
| Engineering | #1 of 13 |
| Archaeology & Classical Studies | #1 of 2 |
| Classical & Ancient Studies | #1 of 3 |
| History | #1 of 3 |
| General Materials Science | #1 of 5 |
| Materials Sciences | #1 of 5 |
| Physical Sciences | #1 of 5 |
| Ethnic Studies | #2 of 11 |
Below is the detailed UC Berkeley value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
University of California-Berkeley is ranked #3 out of #346 in California for quality and #96 out of #304 for California value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the UC Berkeley financial aid page to be sure.
University of California-Berkeley is ranked #876 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
University of California-Berkeley is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at UC Berkeley costs about $26,315. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $105,258 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $45,565 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $13,481 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $26,315 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,258 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UC Berkeley net price and the factors that affect it.
What UC Berkeley costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a UC Berkeley degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $182,260 | — | — |
| All Students | $105,258 | #876 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,924 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $182,260 | — | — |
| All Students | $105,258 | #96 | B- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,924 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at UC Berkeley shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $5,895 |
| $30K–$48K | $7,751 |
| $48K–$75K | $11,424 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,713 |
| Over $110K | $35,154 |
About 60% of UC Berkeley undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $25,091 per year. Get more details on the UC Berkeley financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average UC Berkeley cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.