University of California, Berkeley

School Overview

University of California, Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA, 94720, set within a city environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #15 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Getting into University of California, Berkeley is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 11%. Prospective students should present a strong academic profile to be considered. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.9. Applications are due by Nov. 30, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

As a large research university with 33,469 undergraduates, University of California, Berkeley offers an extensive selection of courses, majors, and extracurricular activities. Students have access to world-class laboratories, libraries, and collaborative spaces. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 50% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 80%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at University of California, Berkeley include Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (17% of students, median early-career salary: $225,140), Social Sciences (16% of students, median early-career salary: $63,390), and Engineering (12% of students, median early-career salary: $89,225). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $24,558. However, the average net price after financial aid is $17,371, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $37,119 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with University of California, Berkeley's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. University of California, Berkeley combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether University of California, Berkeley is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.