Check my chances

Colleges › California › University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as UC Berkeley, Cal

University of California, Berkeley accepts 11% of applicants. It is a public university in Berkeley, California, with about 33,068 undergraduates. The sticker price is $42,056 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $14,538.

11%Acceptance rate
1330–1530Middle 50% SAT
29–35Middle 50% ACT
$14,538Average cost after aid / year
94%Graduation rate
$79,931Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for UC Berkeley?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 20% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into University of California, Berkeley by GPA

University of California, Berkeley does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPACalifornia residentOut-of-state
3.01% Reach1% Reach
3.31% Reach1% Reach
3.52% Reach1% Reach
3.76% Reach2% Reach
3.913% Reach4% Reach
4.020% Reach7% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

Get your own chance, free

Enter your GPA, test score and state to see your chance here and at 169 other colleges, with cost after aid for your family. No sign-up needed.

Check my chances

What families actually pay at University of California, Berkeley

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $42,056 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$10,500$37,100
$50k – $100k$10,500$41,600
$100k – $150k$16,100$48,000
$150k – $250k$40,400$72,400
Over $250k$42,056$76,200

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

94%Finish their degree
97%Return for second year
$79,931Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about University of California, Berkeley

What is the acceptance rate at University of California, Berkeley?

University of California, Berkeley admits 11% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into University of California, Berkeley?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical California resident has about a 20% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of California, Berkeley?

University of California, Berkeley does not consider SAT or ACT scores.

How much does University of California, Berkeley cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $42,056 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $14,538 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $10,500 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at University of California, Berkeley?

94% of students finish their degree, and 97% return for a second year.

Colleges similar to University of California, Berkeley