University of California-Berkeley
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$59,400
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$39,919/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1244%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of California-Berkeley has a strong return on investment. The median debt for graduates is $13,000. One year after graduation, the median salary is $57,445, which is more than four times the in-state tuition cost of $14,850. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $74,919.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $13,000 and a starting salary of $57,445, the debt is paid off quickly. The debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.23.
Given the high starting salaries, the break-even timeline is short. The first-year salary is almost four times the tuition cost. With a strong starting salary and a relatively low debt burden, the investment in a UC-Berkeley education pays off quickly.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$14,850
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$74,919
Graduation Rate
94%
Receive Financial Aid
18%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | $59,400 | $106,624 | 2312% |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | $59,400 | $53,788 | 533% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $59,400 | $72,049 | 1147% |
| Political Science and Government. | $59,400 | $62,430 | 824% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $59,400 | $202,911 | 5554% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $59,400 | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $59,400 | $123,780 | 2889% |
| Cognitive Science. | $59,400 | $91,715 | 1810% |
| Law. | $59,400 | $182,943 | 4881% |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | $59,400 | $0 | N/A |
| Information Science/Studies. | $59,400 | $172,291 | 4523% |
| Applied Mathematics. | $59,400 | $120,626 | 2783% |
Peer Comparison
1244%
20yr ROI
189%
20yr ROI
1025%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.