University of California Berkeley Graduate Tuition Fees 2026 | Cost of Attendance, Living Expenses & Financial Aid

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Planning to pursue a graduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley? Before submitting your application, it is important to understand the total cost of attendance, including tuition, mandatory fees, health insurance, housing, books, transportation, and other living expenses.

UC Berkeley is one of the world's leading public research universities and attracts thousands of graduate students every year. While studying at Berkeley is a significant financial investment, many students lower their costs through fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.

This guide provides the latest University of California Berkeley graduate tuition fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, along with estimated living expenses, nonresident tuition, financial aid information, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare your education budget.

University of California Berkeley Graduate Tuition Fees 2026

Graduate tuition varies depending on your degree program. Students enrolled in professional schools such as Law, Business, Engineering, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Information Management may pay additional professional degree supplemental tuition.

Below are the estimated direct costs for graduate academic students during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Direct Graduate Costs

Expense	On Campus	On-Campus Family Housing	Off Campus
Tuition and Mandatory Fees	$17,550	$17,550	$17,550
Housing and Utilities	$18,926	$22,186	N/A
Student Health Insurance (SHIP)	$8,206	$8,206	$8,206
Total Direct Costs	$44,682	$47,942	$25,756

These are the charges students pay directly to UC Berkeley. Graduate students may waive the Student Health Insurance Plan if they qualify under the university's waiver policy.

Estimated Living Expenses

In addition to tuition and fees, students should budget for personal expenses throughout the academic year.

Expense	On Campus	Family Housing	Off Campus
Books and Supplies	Varies by Program	Varies	Varies
Personal Expenses	$2,874	$6,154	$3,376
Transportation	$3,238	$4,982	$3,920

Actual living expenses depend on your housing choice, lifestyle, and spending habits.

Total Estimated Cost of Attendance

UC Berkeley combines tuition, fees, housing, insurance, books, transportation, and personal expenses to estimate the annual cost of attendance.

Living Arrangement	Estimated Annual Cost
On Campus	$58,718
On-Campus Family Housing	$70,628
Off Campus	$59,004

These figures are estimates and may vary depending on your graduate program and individual expenses.

Graduate Professional Programs

Professional degree students pay additional supplemental tuition based on their school or department.

Programs that generally have higher tuition include:

• School of Law (J.D.)
• Haas School of Business (MBA)
• College of Engineering (Master of Engineering)
• School of Public Health
• Goldman School of Public Policy
• School of Information
• School of Social Welfare
• School of Optometry
• College of Environmental Design
• Joint Medical Program

Students enrolled in these programs should expect higher tuition than graduate academic students.

Nonresident Tuition

Graduate students who are not California residents pay Nonresident Supplemental Tuition in addition to regular tuition and mandatory fees.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, graduate academic students should budget an additional $15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Professional degree programs may have different nonresident tuition rates depending on the school.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

UC Berkeley offers a wide range of financial aid opportunities for graduate students.

Funding options include:

• Graduate Fellowships
• Teaching Assistantships
• Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) appointments
• Departmental Scholarships
• Federal Student Aid
• Graduate Grants
• Work-Study Programs
• External Scholarships

Many doctoral students receive comprehensive funding packages that include tuition assistance and a living stipend. Master's students may also qualify for scholarships and departmental awards based on their program.

Why Study at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley consistently ranks among the top public universities in the world. Graduate students benefit from:

• World-class faculty
• Outstanding research opportunities
• Modern laboratories and facilities
• Strong global reputation
• Extensive alumni network
• Excellent career outcomes
• Access to Silicon Valley and leading employers

Although the cost of attendance is substantial, many students find the investment worthwhile because of Berkeley's academic reputation and employment opportunities after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is graduate tuition at UC Berkeley in 2026?

Graduate tuition and mandatory fees for most academic programs are approximately $17,550 per academic year, excluding housing and health insurance.

Do graduate students have to pay for health insurance?

Yes. Graduate students are automatically enrolled in the Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless they qualify for an approved waiver.

How much does it cost to live at UC Berkeley?

The estimated annual cost of attendance ranges from approximately $58,718 to $70,628, depending on your housing arrangement.

Do international students pay higher tuition?

Yes. International students and other non-California residents generally pay Nonresident Supplemental Tuition in addition to regular tuition and fees.

Read Also: Emerson College Acceptance Rate 2026, Tuition Fees, SAT, ACT, GPA Requirements, Admission Requirements & Acceptance Rate Chart

Conclusion

The University of California, Berkeley remains one of the best destinations for graduate education in the United States. While tuition and living expenses continue to increase, the university provides generous funding opportunities through fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and financial aid. Before enrolling, review your estimated cost of attendance, compare available funding options, and create a realistic budget for your graduate studies.

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