By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Connecticut (UConn), located in Storrs, Connecticut, is a top-ranked public research university. It’s considered a “public Ivy,” which means it’s comparable to an Ivy League institution. UConn operates on a semester calendar and is known for its strong academic reputation, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation.

In this guide, we’ll detail the university’s admission process, the UConn acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

UConn tuition in 2024-25 is $21,044 for in-state students and $43,712 for out-of-state students. This is higher than the national average for public four-year schools of $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

At the University of Connecticut, 83% of students received financial aid in the 2022-23 academic year. UConn is need-blind, meaning that if you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for tuition, your application will still be considered.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: Scholarships can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Grants are generally based on financial need. These can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: Federal Work-Study provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: Federal student loans are money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. They come with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

UConn tuition can be paid with either federal or private student loans. At UConn, 46% of students take out federal loans, while 9% take out private loans. The average amount of private student loans is $23,209.

Private student loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The UConn cost for four years, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other expenses, is $162,976 for in-state students and $253,648 for out-of-state students (based on 2024-25 numbers). You can compare this to the total cost for a public university in the U.S., which is $115,360 for four years.

Here’s some Connecticut Student Loan & Scholarship Information.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

UConn tuition for students living in Connecticut is $21,044 in 2024-25. For students coming from other states, it is $43,712. Both have books and supplies fees of $990.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Students who extend their studies beyond undergraduate degrees will pay $22,872 (in-state) or $44,784 (out-state) in tuition and fees for graduate school. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

The UConn tuition covered above is for full-time students. For those who attend college part-time, they’ll pay $709 (in-state) or $1,654 (out-of-state) per credit hour.

Campus Housing Expenses

*Starting rate for a studio based on available apartments on UConn’s off-campus housing website in 2025.

Freshmen are required to live on campus at UConn. There are more than 100 residence halls in 18 campus areas on the Storrs campus.

Near campus, there are many options for off-campus living, including houses, duplexes, and apartments. You can opt to live alone or with roommates. This resource can help you find off-campus living options.

University of Connecticut Acceptance Rate

The UConn acceptance rate of 54% means that more than half of the students who apply are accepted.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what’s required (and what’s recommended) when it comes to applying for admission at UConn.

Required:

•  Academic record

•  Essay

Recommended:

•  ACT/SAT scores

•  Letters of recommendation

•  Work experience

The deadline for Priority Admission is December 1, with a decision given starting in early March. The deadline for Regular Admission is January 15, with a decision given starting in early March. You can apply here .

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of Connecticut is not requiring test scores to be submitted through the fall 2026 admission cycle. However, submitting your scores is recommended. Here are the scores for the 25th and 75th percentile:

Popular Majors at UConn

UConn offers more than 125 majors. Here are the most popular.

1. Psychology

Psychology students have the unique opportunity to participate in research activities, including laboratory courses, research seminars, and independent study experiences. They’ll learn about experimental and behavioral science, as well as social, developmental, clinical, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 400

2. Economics

Those studying economics at UConn will learn about the industrial organization, law and economics, money and banking, international trade and finance, public finance, labor economics, health economics, urban and regional economics, and economic development.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 384

3. Nursing

Nursing students can choose a four-year baccalaureate program or go on to a 2nd-degree post-baccalaureate program, Certificate Entry into Nursing/B.S. Each of these programs will train nurses with valuable skills they can use in a variety of health and medical settings.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 258

4. Speech Communication and Rhetoric

This program offers students the opportunity to learn about speech, language, hearing development, and disorders. Many students go on to graduate school in audiology or speech-language pathology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 242

5. Finance

A finance degree from UConn prepares students for careers in financial services. Students have the option to choose a concentration: corporate finance, valuation and portfolio management, or quantitative finance.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 230

6. Allied Health Sciences

The allied health sciences program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with the option of a concentration in health sciences, health care administration, public health, health promotion, or occupational and environmental health and safety.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 203

7. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students can choose one of the following concentrations: aerospace, energy and power, dynamic systems and control concentration, design and manufacturing, or naval sciences and technology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 174

8. Biological Sciences

There are three departments at UConn that offer biology-related degrees: the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB), and the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB).

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 162

9. Political Science

This program suits students who are interested in public affairs or international relations. Students gain a better understanding of the entire field of governmental organization and functions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 157

10. Molecular and Cell Biology

Students in this program learn fundamental biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels across all domains of life. Research, classroom teaching, and laboratory training help students critically think about the subject.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 151

Graduation Rate

Here’s the graduation rate for students who commenced their studies at UConn in 2017:

•  6 years: 84%

•  4 years: 76%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Earnings for graduates of UConn are higher than the national average for graduates of public four-year institutions, which is $68,680. UConn students earn an average of $73,997 per year.

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public research university known for its cooperative education program and diverse academic offerings across more than 300 majors. Founded in 1819, UC operates on a semester calendar and provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, and the arts.

In this guide, we’ll detail the university’s admission process, the UC acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

In 2024-25, the University of Cincinnati tuition for Ohio residents was $13,976, and $29,310 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

In 2022-23, 87% of students used financial aid to pay for University of Cincinnati tuition. This may come as scholarships, loans, grants, or a combination of these.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: Scholarships can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Grants are generally based on financial need. These can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: Federal Work-Study provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: Federal student loans are money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. They come with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Of the students who used student loans to help with the University of Cincinnati cost, 49% took out federal loans and 13% took out private student loans in the 2022-23 school year. The amount of private student loans averaged $17,916.

Private student loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of Cincinnati cost for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, would be $143,056 for in-state students (based on 2024-25 numbers). This is higher than the average four-year cost of attendance at public universities in the U.S., which is $115,360.

The University of Cincinnati costs for residents of other states for four years would be $204,392, which is slightly higher than the national average of $186,920.

Here’s some Ohio Student Loan & Scholarships information.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

The University of Cincinnati costs for tuition and fees plus books and supplies is $15,276 for in-state students and $30,610 for out-of-state students.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

The cost for University of Cincinnati tuition and fees for graduate students from Ohio was $14,902 in 2024-25. For students from other states, the cost was $26,674. In comparison, the average cost of a master’s degree at U.S. public universities is $37,610.

There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

Attending the University of Cincinnati (UC Uptown) part-time cost $582 per credit hour in 2024-25 for Ohio residents.

Campus Housing Expenses

On-campus room and board was $13,564 in 2024-25; off-campus housing was $17,526. Other living expenses were $6,924 for on-campus students and $8,430 for off-campus students.

First-year students at UC are required to live on campus (unless they are married or live with their parents within 50 miles of campus). The University of Cincinnati offers residence halls and apartment-style housing on campus. There are also Living-Learning Communities and themed floors for students whose interests are similar.

For off-campus living, there are many apartments and rentals to live off-campus within walking distance. You can explore the options for off campus housing .

University of Cincinnati Acceptance Rate

The University of Cincinnati acceptance rate is 88%. In 2023, 29,185 students were accepted, making the University of Cincinnati acceptance rate high.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted at UC, there are certain requirements students must provide with their application. Other things, such as test scores, are recommended.

Required:

•  High school transcript

•  GPA

•  Personal statement or essay

Recommended:

•  SAT or ACT scores

•  Work experience

•  Letters of recommendation

The deadline to submit an application for fall enrollment is March 1.

SAT and ACT Scores

While test scores are optional at the University of Cincinnati, here are the standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile at UC.

Popular Majors at the University of Cincinnati

UC offers a wide range of majors that provide hands-on learning opportunities. Many programs also offer study abroad options. Here are the most popular majors at the University of Cincinnati.

1. Marketing

After getting a foundation in business courses like managerial accounting, microeconomics, and business finance, students learn about marketing research, consumer behavior, applied trend research and analysis, and more. They also can study abroad if they choose.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 483

2. Nursing

In addition to their coursework, nursing students get the chance to use the latest medical technology as well as work in clinical environments like a trauma center, obstetric unit, pediatric hospital, outpatient surgery center, and community hospital.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 363

3. Psychology

UC’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides a strong foundation in human behavior, cognition, and research methods. Students engage in coursework covering areas such as developmental, social, and clinical psychology, while also benefiting from UC’s renowned co-op program to gain hands-on experience in research labs, hospitals, or community agencies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 314

4. Finance

Offered through the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, a degree in finance equips students with core financial knowledge — such as corporate finance, investments, and financial modeling — alongside practical skills in data analysis and risk management.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 277

5. Interdisciplinary

For students who want to forge their own path, the interdisciplinary degree is an option. They can choose the Social Justice or Cybersecurity Curriculum, or create their own curriculum, which can include courses in ethnobotany, archaeology, environmental studies, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 185

6. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students learn about fluid, thermal, structural, and motion design and analysis; kinematics and kinetics of machines; system dynamics and vibrations; thermodynamics; and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 218

7. Biology

Students can select a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology of Animals or Cell and Molecular Biology. In addition to intensive coursework on the subject, students will also participate in lab work to further their understanding of biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 197

8. Criminal Justice

The University of Cincinnati’s Criminal Justice program, housed in the School of Public and International Affairs, combines rigorous coursework in criminological theory, law, and policy with hands-on experiential learning. Through UC’s signature co-op program, students gain real-world experience in law enforcement, corrections, and community advocacy.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 197

9. Speech Communication and Rhetoric

The University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Rhetoric, offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, explores communication theory, persuasive speaking, and media studies. Students develop skills in argumentation, interpersonal communication, and public speaking through a mix of theoretical coursework and practical projects, preparing them for careers in public relations, marketing, education, and advocacy.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 170

10. Operations Management

Operations management majors learn about health care management & operations, data mining & analysis, spreadsheet analytics, and procurement and logistics. They also have the option to study abroad.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 158

Graduation Rate

Here are the graduation rates at the University of Cincinnati for those who began in fall 2017.

•  4 years: 39%

•  6 years: 71%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

After completing an undergraduate degree at UC, you can expect to earn on average $54,810 per year, which is lower than the national average of $68,680 for graduates of four-year programs.

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research university that’s considered one of the best in the country. Ranked #11 in national universities (in a tie with Cornell University) by U.S. News & World Report, the university is affiliated with 101 Nobel Prize winners and 27 Pulitzer Prize winners. It has highly regarded schools in law, medicine, and public policy, among others.

In this guide, we’ll detail the university’s admission process, the UChicago acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

University of Chicago is a private school, so the cost of attendance will be the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

In 2024-25, costs at the University of Chicago were:

Financial Aid

The admissions process at UChicago is “need-blind,” which means the school admits students without consideration of financial resources through a student-first admissions process. Plus, those who apply for financial aid do not need to pay an application fee. These policies can help aspiring students from lower- to middle-income families who otherwise wouldn’t have the financial resources to attend.

In 2022-23, 53% of students received some kind of financial aid, including student loans. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 46% received this kind of aid with the average award being $58,877.

•  Federal grants: 17% received this kind of aid with an average award of $9,481.

•  Pell grants: 17% received this kind of aid with the average award being $5,600.

•  Other federal grants: 17% received this kind of aid with an average award of $3,990.

•  State/local: 3% received this kind of aid and the average award was $7,200.

•  Institutional: 45% received this kind of aid with the average award being $55,101.

•  Student loan aid: 7% received this kind of aid with an average award of $13,890.

•  Federal student loans: 6% received this kind of aid and the average award was $5,213.

•  Other student loans: 1% received this kind of aid with the average award being $43,247.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: Scholarships can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Grants are generally based on financial need. These can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: Federal Work-Study provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: Federal student loans are money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. They come with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2022-23, 1% of UChicago students received private student loan funding with an average award of $43,247.

Private student loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Over four years, a degree at UChicago will cost (based on 2024-25 numbers) approximately $379,884. This is higher than the average four-year cost of attendance at private universities in the U.S., which is $241,680.

Here’s some Illinois Student Loan & Scholarship Information.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

UChicago undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-25 were $70,662, with books and supplies being $1,800.

Total costs were as follows:

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Graduation tuition at the university in 2024-25 was $67,200, with fees of $1,452, for a total of $68,652 per year. This is significantly higher than the average cost of graduate school in the United States, which is $21,730 per year.

Graduate loans can help with this cost.

Campus Housing Expenses

All entering first-year students are required to live in on-campus housing for their first two academic years. Transfer students are required to live in on-campus housing for their first academic year at the school.

In 2024-25, room and board at the University of Chicago was $20,109, a 4.6% increase from the previous year.

University of Chicago Acceptance Rate

In fall 2023, 38,631 people applied to the university. The UChicago acceptance rate was 5%, making the school challenging to get into.

Admission Requirements

As part of the application process, students need to submit:

•   Application for admission and supplemental essays

•   Secondary school report and transcript

•   Two teacher evaluations

•   Mid-year report

•   SAT/ACT scores (optional)

•   Video profile (optional but recommended)

•   Supplemental materials (optional)

Application Deadlines

•   Early Action/Early Decision I: November 1

•   Early Decision II/Regular Decision: January 6

•   Admission Decision Release Date: Mid-December (Early Action/Early Decision I); mid-February (Early Decision II); late March (Regular Decision)

SAT and ACT Scores

The University of Chicago is a test optional school. In fall 2023, 46% of applicants submitted SAT scores and 30% submitted ACT scores. The 25th and 75th percentile scores were:

Popular Majors at University of Chicago

Complementing the university’s “Core” curriculum are 65 majors and 63 minors, as well as dozens of areas of specialized study. Here are some of the most popular majors at UChicago.

1. Econometrics

This curriculum prepares students to understand today’s economy (pricing, markets, income, employment, and more). Econometrics integrates the disciplines of mathematics and statistics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 522

2. Mathematics

Undergraduates can choose between a BA and a BS program, each offering comprehensive instruction. BS degrees can have an applied mathematics specialization or one with a focus on economics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 136

3. Computer Science

This degree is also available as a BA or BS, and each can be combined with an MS program. Students in the BA program who don’t go to grad school are prepared for a career in the computer science industry. Those in the BS program can add another field of study for a broader education.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 128

4. Biology

Students can choose between a BA or BS with optional specializations that include cancer biology, cellular/molecular, developmental, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and quantitative biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 121

5. Political Science

This program prepares students for a wide range of careers — in government, business, nonprofit organizations, education, and journalism — and serves as a basis for a law degree, among other options.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 83

6. Neuroscience

Students can choose between a BA and a BS with the latter having access to an honors program and providing intensive individual research. Undergraduates learn about neural function from molecule to species level.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 53

7. History

Students can choose from tracks that allow them to gain expertise in a specific historical time, place, or theme, and complete a research project.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 49

8. Experimental Psychology

In this program, undergrads learn about psychology in broad ways, integrating knowledge in methodologies that connect the discipline with other areas of study. They also participate in research projects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 46

9. Public Policy Analysis

Students learn how to analyze policy, use economic and quantitative methods, conduct policy research, enhance communication skills, and focus on one or more policy areas.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 44

10. Physics

Undergraduates study the fundamentals of physics in a way that grounds them in foundational knowledge. This prepares the students who want to earn additional degrees in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 40

UChicago Graduation Rate

Graduation rates at UChicago are high. These are the rates for students who started their studies in fall 2017:

•  4 years: 86%

•  6 years: 95%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The median annual income for University of Chicago graduates is $91,885. That’s significantly higher than the median income for all graduates of four-year institutions in the U.S., which is $68,680.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

Located in Berkeley, California, the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public research university and flagship campus of the University of California system. UC Berkeley offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and operates on a semester calendar. This guide will provide detailed information on UC Berkeley tuition and fees, financial aid opportunities, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

UC Berkeley tuition for the 2024-25 school year was $16,347 for in-state students and $50,547 for out-of-state students. This is higher than the national average public college tuition of $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for out-of-state students.

Financial Aid

More than half of the students (61%) have some sort of financial aid to help cover UC Berkeley tuition. That includes scholarships, grants, and loans.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: Scholarships can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Grants are generally based on financial need. These can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: Federal Work-Study provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: Federal student loans are money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

When it comes to student loans, there are both federal and private student loans available. At Berkeley, 20% of students take out federal student loans and 7% take out private loans. The average private student loan per year is $6,790.

Private student loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Over four years, a degree at Berkeley will cost (based on 2024-25 numbers) approximately $193,036 for in-state students. This is higher than the average four-year program at public universities in the U.S. of $115,360.

Recommended: California Student Loan & Scholarship Information

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Estimated Costs for 2024-25

UC Berkeley undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-25 are $16,347 for in-state students and $50,547 for out-of-state students, with living expenses being $23,750.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Berkeley offers several highly respected graduate programs. For 2024-25, graduate tuition (including fees) is $15,866 for in-state students and $30,968 for out-of-state students. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Campus Housing Expenses

Estimated Costs for 2025-26

In addition to UC Berkeley tuition, students must pay for housing, either on campus or off. While freshmen aren’t required to live on campus, 96% of first-year students choose to, enjoying amenities in one of the eight residence halls.

The estimated cost of room and board if you live in an on-campus residence hall ranges from $11,780 to $18,710 for the 2025-26 school year.

Those opting to live off-campus have plenty of options, and Berkeley offers many resources to help you find the right apartment, duplex, or house for your needs. This guide can help with off-campus living.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

At just 11%, the Berkeley acceptance rate is low, making the university quite competitive.

Admission Requirements

Berkeley has high standards for admissions. Here are the things that are required or recommended with your application.

Required:

•  Meet the A-G subject course requirements (find out more here )

•  Have a 3.0 GPA in A-G courses taken in the 10th and 11th grade years (3.4 GPA for non-residents)

Recommended:

•  Letters of recommendation

Profile of a First-Year Student in 2024:

•  Unweighted GPA: 3.89-4.00

•  Weighted GPA: 4.31-4.65

Important Dates:

•  Application available: August 1

•  Application deadline: December 2

•  Financial aid (FAFSA or CA Dream Act) applications open: December 1

•  FAFSA and CA Dream Act deadline: April 2

•  First-year decisions posted: End of March

•  First-year deadline to accept offer of admission: May 1

Note: UC Berkeley does not offer early admission or early decision.

SAT and ACT Scores

UC Berkeley is test-free, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. If you choose to submit them, your scores may be used for placement or credit purposes.

Since the university is test-free, they no longer report test score percentiles.

Popular Majors at UC Berkeley

Berkeley has more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units. Here are some of the most popular majors at Berkeley.

1. Computer Science

Berkeley’s computer science program was ranked #2 (in a tie with three other schools) in the US News 2025 rankings for Computer Science. The program offers classes in multiple programming languages, as well as courses in theory of computation, the architecture and logic design of computers, and artificial intelligence.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 866

2. Economics

Berkeley’s economics program is ranked one of the best in the world. Economics students learn about labor, land, investments, taxes, and governments.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 753

3. Molecular & Cellular Biology

With state-of-the-art research facilities, the molecular and cell biology program teaches students about molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 692

4. Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Combining fundamentals of both computer science and electrical engineering, this program offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree. It includes math and science courses as well as non-technical courses.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 456

5. Business Administration

The highly-competitive Haas Undergraduate Program offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students can choose one of the following pathways: Spieker Undergraduate Business Program; Global Management Program; Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology; and the Robinson Life Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship (LBSE) Program.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 428

6. Political Science & Government

Students of political science will learn about political ideas, the U.S. and international political systems, and ethical problems of power.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 395

7. Psychology

Students in psychology learn about behavior neuroscience, developmental, clinical science, cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and social-personality psychology. They also learn to use critical thinking and research, and have the opportunity to aid in research studies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 322

8. Sociology

UC Berkeley’s Sociology Department is consistently ranked among the world’s best. The undergraduate degree program includes training in research methods and sociological theory. It also offers opportunities to explore the broad range of sociological research and dive deeper into specific subjects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 261

9. Mass Communication/Media Studies

Students majoring in media studies look at communications and media technologies, industries, policies, and culture in the U.S. and globally.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 226

10. Environmental Studies

Berkeley offers several majors in environmental studies, including environmental earth science, environmental design and urbanism in developing countries, environmental economics and policy, environmental engineering, environmental engineering science, and environmental sciences.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 215

Click here to learn more about all the majors Berkeley offers.

Graduation Rate

Students who started their studies at Berkeley in 2017 had the following rate of graduation:

•  4 years: 81%

•  6 years: 93%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Berkeley graduates go on to do great things, and get paid well to do them! The median annual salary of graduates is $92,446, whereas the median for all college graduates in the U.S. is $68,680.