Attending the University of California, Berkeley, is a major investment. The cost of attendance varies based on residency status, housing choices, and personal expenses. Hereās a breakdown of the expected costs for undergraduate students in the 2025ā26 academic year.
Understanding the cost of attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total expenses students will incur while completing an academic year at UC Berkeley. This budget helps determine financial aid eligibility and includes:
- Tuition and fees for full-time enrollment
- Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
- Housing and food for on-campus or off-campus living
- Personal and miscellaneous expenses
- Transportation costs
- Health insurance, unless waived with proof of equivalent coverage
The university adjusts these estimates annually based on student surveys and market research. Non-resident students have additional costs, and budget adjustments may be made for students with unique financial needs.
Direct costs paid to UC Berkeley
Some costs are paid directly to the university and appear on a studentās bill. These include:
- Tuition and Fees
- California residents pay a set tuition amount.
- Non-resident students must pay an additional $37,602 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
Housing and Meal Plans
Costs vary depending on whether a student lives in a residence hall, university apartment, or family housing.
Residence hall costs include a mini-fridge, except for Blackwell Hall.
Students in Bowles Hall pay an additional $4,464 per year.
Health insurance
UC Berkeley automatically enrolls students in Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan).
Students with comparable insurance can waive SHIP by submitting a request by July 1.
Estimated personal expenses
In addition to direct costs, students have personal expenses that are not billed by UC Berkeley. These costs vary depending on housing choices and lifestyle.
Housing and utilities
Students living in off-campus apartments should budget around $13,120 for housing and utilities for the academic year.
Those living with relatives can expect significantly lower housing expenses, around $3,646 for the year.
Food costs
Residence hall students have meal plans included in their direct costs.
Students living in apartments should budget approximately $6,530 for groceries and dining expenses.
Cooking at home and buying in bulk can help reduce food costs.
Books and supplies
All students should expect to spend about $1,438 per year on textbooks, course materials, and supplies.
Miscellaneous and personal expenses
These costs cover essentials such as clothing, toiletries, entertainment, and social activities.
Students in off-campus housing typically spend around $2,904 per year, while those living with family might spend closer to $3,008 annually.
Transportation costs
Students living on campus or in nearby housing should budget about $828 for transportation.
Those living off-campus may spend around $1,180 for commuting expenses.
Students living with relatives and commuting from farther away could face higher transportation costs, around $2,996 per year.
A UC Berkeley student bus pass is available and allows for free transportation around the area.
Total estimated costs for 2025ā26
The total cost of attending UC Berkeley varies based on housing arrangements. Students living in residence halls or on-campus apartments will have lower personal expenses, while those in off-campus housing will face higher costs.
Students in a residence hall should budget around $7,166 for personal expenses.
Those in an on-campus apartment can expect to spend approximately $10,822 on personal expenses.
Students in off-campus housing may need about $25,172 for rent, utilities, food, and other personal costs.
Living with relatives can reduce expenses, with estimated costs around $16,100 for the year.
These figures represent average student budgets and can vary based on individual spending habits.
Financial aid and scholarships
UC Berkeley offers financial aid to help cover costs for eligible students. Over one-third of Berkeley students receive enough aid to cover tuition and fees.
Types of financial aid available
Grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid.
Work-study programs allow students to earn money while studying.
Loans, which must be repaid after graduation.
Students can use the Berkeley Financial Aid Estimator to see how much aid they might receive. Financial aid offers are subject to change based on residency status, enrollment levels, and updates to state or federal policies.
Important notes on tuition and fees
Tuition and fees are set regardless of whether instruction is in person or remote.
If tuition rates change, financial aid offers may be adjusted accordingly.
The university reserves the right to correct errors or make adjustments to financial aid offers based on policy changes.
Students should regularly check their CalCentral accounts for updates on tuition payments and financial aid disbursements.
Additional resources for students
Housing and rental information
UC Berkeley provides data on off-campus rental market trends.
The UC Office of the President offers resources for students searching for housing in Berkeley and surrounding areas.
Financial wellness services
One-on-one financial coaching for budgeting and money management.
Workshops on saving and financial planning.
Online tools to help students plan for long-term financial security.
Contact information
Students can reach the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at:
- Address:
201 Sproul Hall #1960
Berkeley, CA 94720-1960
- Fax Number:
(855) 895-3690
Students can also find information on their financial aid status by logging into CalCentral.
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