Student Budgets Archive

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. New out-of-state students pay an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $32,574.
• Food and Housing: Charges for University housing and meal plans. Varies based on your residence hall, apartment, or family housing assignment and meal plan.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Residence hall food and housing costs include the cost of a mini-fridge, prorated based on occupancy, for all residence halls except Blackwell. Residence hall and university apartment budgets also include the $45 RHA fee except Bowles Hall. Students living in Bowles Hall add $4,368.

Direct Undergraduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for your Entering Academic Year

Personal Expenses*

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary.

What should I budget for my personal expenses? 

• Housing and Utilities: Expenses are for nine months (~$1,330/month).
• Additional Food: For apartments, divide amounts by 9 to develop a monthly food budget. Buying bulk and cooking at home help make this economical.
• Books and Other Costs: Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses. Your student bus pass will get you around for free.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2023–24 estimated average budget for undergraduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

Updated July 24, 2023

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state residents in Graduate Academic Programs, add $15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Nonresidents of California in the professional degree programs will pay nonresident supplemental tuition and fees of $12,246 or $13,674 (depending on your program), in addition to the amount shown in the chart. Double majors will have a pro-rated professional degree supplemental tuition amount, based on their two programs.

Direct Graduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

A note about Graduate Tuition & Fees:

• Students in a number of professional degree programs will pay additional tuition and fees based on their school or department, or degree program.
• Check with your school or department for more information about their professional degree supplemental tuition policy.
• Students in the Schools of Law, Optometry, Public Policy, Public Health, Social Welfare, Information Management, and various programs in the College of Environmental Design, the Engineering Master's Program, the MBA programs in the Haas School of Business, and the Joint Medical Program are subject to different tuition and fee schedules.

Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2023–24 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary. Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2023–24 estimated average budget for graduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Graduate Costs for the Academic Year

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. New out-of-state students pay an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $31,026.
• Room and Board: Charges for University housing. Varies based on your residence hall, apartment, or family housing assignment.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Residence hall room & board costs include the cost of a mini-fridge, prorated based on occupancy, for all residence halls except Blackwell. Residence hall and university apartment budgets also include the $45 RHA fee except Bowles Hall. Students living in Bowles Hall add $4,368.

Direct Undergraduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for your Entering Academic Year

Personal Expenses*

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary.

What should I budget for my personal expenses? 

• Housing and Utilities: Expenses are for nine months (~$1,200/month).
• Additional Food: For apartments, divide amounts by 9 to develop a monthly food budget. Buying bulk and cooking at home help make this economical.
• Books and Other Costs: Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses. Your student bus pass will get you around for free.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2022–23 estimated average budget for undergraduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

Updated July 15, 2022

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state residents in Graduate Academic Programs, add $15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Nonresidents of California in the professional degree programs will pay nonresident supplemental tuition and fees of $12,246 or $13,674 (depending on your program), in addition to the amount shown in the chart. Double majors will have a pro-rated professional degree supplemental tuition amount, based on their two programs.

Direct Graduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Students in a number of professional degree programs will pay additional tuition and fees based on their school or department, or degree program. Check with your school or department for more information about their professional degree supplemental tuition policy. Students in the Schools of Law, Optometry, Public Policy, Public Health, Social Welfare, Information Management, and various programs in the College of Environmental Design, the Engineering Master's Program, the MBA programs in the Haas School of Business, and the Joint Medical Program are subject to different tuition and fee schedules.

Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2023–24 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary. Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2023–24 estimated average budget for graduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Graduate Costs for the Academic Year

Updated July 19, 2021

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state students pay an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $29,754.
• Room and Board: Charges for University housing. Varies based on your residence hall, apartment, or family housing assignment.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Residence hall room & board costs include a prorated charge for a MicroChill refrigerator and microwave combination unit for all buildings except Blackwell Hall and Bowles Hall. Students living in Bowles Hall add $4,498.

Direct Undergraduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2021–22 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary.

• Housing and Utilities: Expenses are for nine months (~$1,200/month).
• Additional Food: For apartments, divide amounts by 9 to develop a monthly food budget. Buying bulk and cooking at home help make this economical.
• Books and Other Costs: Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses. Your student bus pass will get you around for free.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2021–22 estimated average budget for undergraduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Undergraduate Costs for Academic Year 2021–2022

Updated July 19, 2021

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state residents in Graduate Academic Programs, add $15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Nonresidents of California in the professional degree programs will pay nonresident supplemental tuition and fees of $12,246 or $13,674 (depending on your program), in addition to the amount shown in the chart. Double majors will have a pro-rated professional degree supplemental tuition amount, based on their two programs.

Direct Graduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Students in a number of professional degree programs will pay additional tuition and fees based on their school or department, or degree program. Check with your school or department for more information about their professional degree supplemental tuition policy. Students in the Schools of Law, Optometry, Public Policy, Public Health, Social Welfare, Information Management, and various programs in the College of Environmental Design, the Engineering Master's Program, the MBA programs in the Haas School of Business, and the Joint Medical Program are subject to different tuition and fee schedules.

Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2021–22 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary. Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2021–22 estimated average budget for graduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Graduate Costs for the Academic Year

Updated August 7,2020

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state students pay an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $29,754.
• Room and Board: Charges for University housing. Varies based on your residence hall, apartment, or family housing assignment.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Residence hall room & board costs include an $80 fee for a MicroChill refrigerator and microwave combination unit for all buildings except Blackwell Hall and Bowles Hall. Students living in Bowles Hall add $2,462.

Direct Undergraduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2020–21 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary.

• Housing and Utilities: Expenses are for nine months (~$1,200/month).
• Additional Food: For apartments, divide amounts by 9 to develop a monthly food budget. Buying bulk and cooking at home help make this economical.
• Books and Other Costs: Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses. Your student bus pass will get you around for free.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2020–21 estimated average budget for undergraduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Undergraduate Costs for Academic Year 2020–2021

Updated August 7, 2020

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state residents in Graduate Academic Programs, add $15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Nonresidents of California in the professional degree programs will pay nonresident supplemental tuition and fees of $12,246 or $13,674 (depending on your program), in addition to the amount shown in the chart. Double majors will have a pro-rated professional degree supplemental tuition amount, based on their two programs.

Direct Graduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Students in a number of professional degree programs will pay additional tuition and fees based on their school or department, or degree program. Check with your school or department for more information about their professional degree supplemental tuition policy. Students in the Schools of Law, Optometry, Public Policy, Public Health, Social Welfare, Information Management, and various programs in the College of Environmental Design, the Engineering Master's Program, the MBA programs in the Haas School of Business, and the Joint Medical Program are subject to different tuition and fee schedules.

Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved 2020–21 tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary. Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2020–21 estimated average budget for graduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Graduate Costs for the Academic Year

Updated July 7, 2019

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state students pay an additional Nonresident Supplemental Tuition of $29,754.
• Room and Board: Charges for University housing. Varies based on your residence hall, apartment, or family housing assignment.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Students living in Bowles Hall add $3,680. New undergraduate students entering in Fall 2020, add $380 for housing during orientation, if you plan on living in a residence hall or university apartment in the fall term.

Direct Undergraduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in state funding or other developments.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2019–20 estimated average budget for undergraduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Undergraduate Costs for the Academic Year

Updated July 2, 2019

What are my direct costs to UC Berkeley?

Direct costs are what you pay directly to the University of California, Berkeley. Financial aid reduces these costs and will cover the cost of tuition and fees for over a third of Berkeley students.

• Tuition and Fees: Set amount charged by the university. Out-of-state residents in Graduate Academic Programs, add $15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
• Health Insurance: Students can receive extra aid to cover Berkeley SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). SHIP may be waived for personal insurance that is equivalent or better (file waiver by July 1).

Note: Nonresidents of California in the professional degree programs will pay nonresident supplemental tuition and fees of $12,246 or $13,674 (depending on your program), in addition to the amount shown in the chart. Double majors will have a pro-rated professional degree supplemental tuition amount, based on their two programs.

Direct Graduate Costs Charged by UC Berkeley for the Academic Year

Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by increases or reductions in state funding or other developments.

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Students in a number of professional degree programs will pay additional tuition and fees based on their school or department, or degree program. Check with your school or department for more information about their professional degree supplemental tuition policy. Students in the Schools of Law, Optometry, Public Policy, Public Health, Social Welfare, Information Management, and various programs in the College of Environmental Design, the Engineering Master's Program, the MBA programs in the Haas School of Business, and the Joint Medical Program are subject to different tuition and fee schedules. Nonresidents of California in the professional degree programs will pay nonresident supplemental tuition and fees of $12,246 or $13,674 (depending on your program), in addition to the amount shown in the chart above. Double majors will have a pro-rated professional degree supplemental tuition amount, based on their two programs.

What should I budget for my personal expenses?

Personal expenses are expected indirect costs not billed to your student account. Your financial aid refund and/or work-study earnings, if you receive them, will help cover these expenses. You control these costs, so amounts will vary. Budgeting and a spending plan are key to managing costs like school supplies, off-campus transportation, and additional living expenses.

Estimated Personal Expenses for the Academic Year

2019–20 estimated average budget for graduate students based on a reasonable cost of completing an academic year at UC Berkeley.

What is the total expected cost before financial aid?

Total expected cost combines direct costs and personal expenses to estimate the funding you will need for educational expenses for a year at Berkeley.

Total Expected Graduate Costs for the Academic Year