UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley at a Glance
UC Berkeley Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #20 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #12 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #8 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #5 | 2024 |
| US News Best Public Universities | #1 | 2025 |
UC Berkeley Overview
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA with 48,230 students. Its 11.7% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering.
| Full Name | University of California-Berkeley |
| Location | Berkeley, CA 94720 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | berkeley.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 48,230 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 34,306 |
| Female Students | 55.4% |
UC Berkeley Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley has 9,899 on-campus beds for 34,306 undergrads — that's enough for about 29% of the undergraduate population. On-campus housing is competitive. Plan to explore off-campus options early.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
UC Berkeley Campus & Location
UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA — classified as City: Midsize. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
UC Berkeley Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | UC Berkeley Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #1 | $117,450 | $75,000 | +57% |
| Engineering | #3 | $112,752 | $72,000 | +57% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $97,092 | $62,000 | +57% |
| Business | #7 | $79,750 | $55,000 | +45% |
| Health Professions | — | $75,400 | $52,000 | +45% |
| Physical Sciences | #2 | $75,168 | $48,000 | +57% |
| Architecture | — | $69,600 | $48,000 | +45% |
| Social Sciences | #3 | $65,250 | $45,000 | +45% |
| Legal Professions | — | $65,250 | $45,000 | +45% |
| Biological Sciences | #5 | $60,900 | $42,000 | +45% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $60,900 | $42,000 | +45% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $58,000 | $40,000 | +45% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $58,000 | $40,000 | +45% |
| History | — | $58,000 | $40,000 | +45% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $55,100 | $38,000 | +45% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $55,100 | $38,000 | +45% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $55,100 | $38,000 | +45% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $55,100 | $38,000 | +45% |
| Psychology | — | $52,200 | $36,000 | +45% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $52,200 | $36,000 | +45% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $49,300 | $34,000 | +45% |
Popular Majors at UC Berkeley
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Beyond grades and scores, UC Berkeley wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What UC Berkeley Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Not Considered |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Important |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Not Considered |
| Work Experience | Important |
| Volunteer Work | Important |
UC Berkeley Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the UC Berkeley UC admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Nov 30 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About UC Berkeley
More About UC Berkeley
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. UC Berkeley is not affiliated with DeepColleges.