Students at UC Berkeley earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
Graduates achieve exceptional financial outcomes that place Berkeley in the top tier for both expected and actual long-term earnings.
Azimuth ranks UC Berkeley among the very top public universities nationwide, reflecting its exceptional combination of academic excellence and strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. The university consistently delivers some of the highest earnings in public higher education, with graduates earning a median of $92,446 ten years after enrollment—well above typical outcomes at even highly selective institutions. What makes Berkeley particularly remarkable is how much better its graduates perform than similar students elsewhere, generating nearly $20,000 more in annual earnings than would be expected based on student characteristics alone.
Berkeley serves a moderately diverse student body, with 27% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants and about 35% being first-generation college students. While admission is highly competitive, the university maintains strong affordability for California families, particularly those with lower incomes who often pay less than $6,000 annually. The combination of world-class academics, prestigious alumni networks, and relatively accessible pricing for state residents makes Berkeley a standout option in public higher education.
As a large research university in the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley offers both the intellectual resources of a top-tier institution and direct access to one of the world's most dynamic job markets. For students who can gain admission, it represents an exceptional return on investment that few public universities can match.
UC Berkeley's program portfolio reflects both academic breadth and exceptional earning power, with particular strength in technical fields that benefit from Bay Area employer demand. Computer Science leads in aggregate return, graduating 845 students annually with median earnings of $125,388—among the highest in the nation for the field. The program's scale and outcomes demonstrate Berkeley's dominance in preparing students for high-paying technology careers. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces even higher individual earnings at $128,868, while Applied Economics, the university's largest single program with 751 graduates, delivers solid returns at $70,379.
Berkeley's technical programs consistently outperform national benchmarks, reflecting both rigorous academics and the university's reputation among top-tier employers. The concentration in STEM and quantitative fields, combined with Berkeley's research excellence and alumni networks, creates particularly strong pathways into high-mobility careers in technology, finance, and consulting. Even programs with more modest early earnings benefit from Berkeley's overall reputation and the career flexibility that comes with a prestigious degree.
As a comprehensive research university, Berkeley graduates substantial cohorts annually across multiple disciplines, creating meaningful industry presence and alumni network density. This scale matters for employer recruitment and career advancement—Berkeley's name recognition and alumni connections provide ongoing professional advantages that extend well beyond the initial job search.
UC Berkeley graduates achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes in public higher education, with median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment placing the university in the top tier nationally. Perhaps more impressive is Berkeley's ability to generate earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn nearly $20,000 more annually than similar students at other institutions, reflecting the substantial value of a Berkeley degree in the job market. This earnings advantage appears early and compounds over time, with graduates consistently outperforming national benchmarks across multiple career stages.
The university's program mix drives much of this exceptional performance. Computer Science stands out as Berkeley's highest aggregate return major, graduating 845 students annually with median earnings of $125,388—among the highest in the nation for the field. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $128,868, while Applied Economics, the university's largest program with 751 graduates, delivers solid returns at $70,379. These technical and quantitative fields benefit enormously from Berkeley's reputation and the Bay Area's concentration of high-paying employers in technology, finance, and consulting.
Berkeley's location in the San Francisco Bay Area means graduates enter one of the nation's highest cost-of-living regions, where housing and daily expenses run well above national averages. However, the university's strong earnings outcomes typically more than compensate for these higher living costs, and many graduates find that Berkeley's alumni network and employer relationships provide access to career opportunities that justify the regional premium.
UC Berkeley offers strong affordability, particularly for California families with lower and middle incomes. Low-income students pay just $5,895 annually in net price—among the lowest costs for any major research university—while middle-income families see costs around $11,424, well below what most flagship universities charge. Even high-income families pay $35,154, which remains competitive given Berkeley's academic caliber and long-term earning outcomes. The university's generous need-based aid ensures that family income, rather than sticker price, determines actual costs for most students.
Debt levels remain manageable despite Berkeley's location in an expensive region. Typical graduates leave with about $13,000 in federal student loan debt, significantly lower than national averages and very reasonable given the university's strong earning outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $28,000, reflecting some families' choice to invest more heavily in Berkeley's premium education and career prospects. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations.
What makes Berkeley particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between borrowing and earning power. With median graduates earning over $92,000 ten years out, typical debt loads represent a small fraction of annual income, allowing for comfortable repayment under standard terms. The university's combination of generous aid for lower-income families and strong earnings outcomes for all graduates creates a financial model that works across income levels.
University Of California-Berkeley Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
