University of California-Berkeley — Berkeley, CA

Urban Studies/Affairs

at University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $50,338/yr starting out — that's 68% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 2.9 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $13,481/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $58,661 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$45,619/yr

Starting Salary

$50,338

Finish Rate

92.8%

Household Income

$45,619/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $13,481/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $32,138/yr)

4 Years Total

$182,476

Typical Debt

$13,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$4,737

What You'd Really Pay

$58,661

That's about $148/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$503,380

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$58,661

Pays for Itself In

2.9 yrs

Salary Boost

+68%

Ahead After 10 Years

$444,719

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed23.8/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost9/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.