Attending UC Berkeley is a significant financial commitment, and the cost of attendance varies based on factors such as residency, housing choices, and personal expenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what students can expect to pay in the 2025-26 academic year.
Understanding the cost of attendance
The cost of attendance is the estimated amount a student will need for one academic year at UC Berkeley. This includes tuition, living expenses, books, and other personal costs. The budget is determined using student surveys and research.
The main components of the cost of attendance include:
- Tuition and fees (for full-time students)
- Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
- Housing and food expenses
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
- Transportation costs
- Health insurance (can be waived if a student has comparable coverage)
The university may adjust costs for individual students based on personal circumstances.
Direct costs paid to UC Berkeley
Some expenses are direct costs, meaning they are billed by the university. These include:
- Tuition and Fees
- California residents: Standard tuition and fees apply.
- Nonresidents: An additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition fee of $37,602 is charged.
Housing and meal plans
Students living in university housing pay for room and board, with costs depending on the type of residence and meal plan chosen.
Off-campus housing costs vary and may be higher or lower than on-campus options.
Health insurance
All students are automatically enrolled in Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan) unless they provide proof of equivalent coverage.
Extra financial aid may be available to cover SHIP costs.
Additional costs may apply based on specific housing arrangements. For example, students living in Bowles Hall pay an extra $4,464, while most other residence halls include the cost of a mini-fridge and the $85 Student Experience fee in their total expenses.
Estimated personal and indirect costs
Other expenses, known as indirect costs, are not billed directly to the student but should be included in their budget. These include:
Housing and utilities
Students renting off-campus apartments should expect to pay approximately $1,458 per month for rent and utilities.
Food costs
Those living in apartments must budget separately for groceries. Buying in bulk and cooking at home can help manage costs.
Books, supplies, and equipment
The estimated annual cost for books and course materials is $1,438.
Miscellaneous and personal expenses
These include clothing, toiletries, entertainment, and other personal necessities. Estimated costs range from $2,738 to $3,008 depending on housing arrangements.
Transportation
Students living off-campus will need to budget for public transportation or gas and parking if they have a car.
UC Berkeley provides a student bus pass, allowing free rides on local transit systems.
Estimated annual cost based on living arrangements
For the 2025-26 academic year, students can expect the following estimated expenses:
- Students living in a campus residence hall: Personal expenses around $7,166 per year.
- Students in an on-campus apartment: Personal expenses around $10,822 per year.
- Students living in an off-campus apartment: Personal expenses around $25,172 per year.
- Students living with relatives: Personal expenses around $16,100 per year.
These estimates are based on average student budgets and may vary depending on personal spending habits.
Financial aid and scholarships
Over one-third of UC Berkeley students receive enough financial aid to cover tuition and fees. Grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities help reduce the overall cost of attendance.
The amount of financial aid awarded depends on factors such as:
- Family income and financial need
- Residency status
- Enrollment level (full-time or part-time)
Students can estimate their financial aid using UC Berkeley’s online tools or contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office for assistance.
Final considerations
UC Berkeley reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees, and costs may change based on policy updates. Additionally, while some instruction may be delivered remotely, tuition and fees remain the same regardless of the mode of instruction.
Students should review their budgets carefully and take advantage of financial resources such as Berkeley’s Centre for Financial Wellness, which offers free coaching and workshops on financial planning.
For more information, visit the UC Berkeley Financial Aid and Scholarships Office website.
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