Best
Value Colleges in Berkeley in 2027

Business Administration

Studying a business administration program in Berkeley, California combines management, accounting, marketing, finance, economics, business law, and data analysis. Students develop leadership, communication, and decision-making skills through projects and internships. The University of California, Berkeley offers an undergraduate business administration degree through the Haas School of Business, while Berkeley City College provides business administration coursework and transfer pathways. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, accountants, sales managers, human resources specialists, or entrepreneurs.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Berkeley, California, combines scientific study of behavior with a diverse academic community. Students commonly take courses in developmental psychology, cognition, statistics, research methods, social psychology, neuroscience, and abnormal psychology. UC Berkeley offers undergraduate and graduate psychology study, while Berkeley City College provides introductory coursework and transfer pathways. Depending on their degree and experience, graduates may pursue roles as research assistants, human resources specialists, case managers, behavioral health technicians, or, with further training, therapists.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Berkeley, CA, offers access to rigorous programs and a technology community. Students typically take courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Popular local options include the University of California, Berkeley, renowned for its computer science programs, and Berkeley City College, which offers foundational computer science study. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, systems engineers, or technology consultants.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Berkeley, California, typically combines psychological theory, supervised practice, and ethics. Courses often cover counseling techniques, human development, psychopathology, group therapy, multicultural counseling, assessment, and research methods. Berkeley's Wright Institute offers graduate training in counseling psychology; UC Berkeley's social welfare program provides related preparation for behavioral-health work. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, case managers, or community-support specialists, with local licensure requirements varying by position and state.

Nursing

Berkeley has no college offering a prelicensure nursing degree, so nearby nursing schools may be necessary. At Berkeley City College, students can complete some transferable prerequisites, while UC Berkeley is known for health-related study but does not grant nursing degrees. Typical nursing curricula cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, ethics, and clinical practice. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, public-health nurses, or nurse assistants, depending on degree level, licensure, and additional training requirements.

Best Colleges in Berkeley, CA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $23,502, compared with $40,018.80 among schools in the top 10%. Average financial aid is received by 63.0% of students overall, versus 50.0% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 50.0%. Schools receive an average of 62,130 applicants, while top-10% schools average 111,819.6 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 30,311, compared with 31,819 female applicants.
• The average number of enrolled students is 46,658. Average enrollment is 1,355 men and 1,785 women.
• The average graduation rate is 93.0%, matching the 93.0% average for top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 92.0% for men and 94.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 0 offer associate's degrees, 1 offers bachelor's degrees, 9 offer master's degrees, and 2 offer doctor's degrees. There is 1 coeducational school, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh the median cost against the likelihood of receiving financial aid, and compare acceptance rates and applicant numbers as part of assessing admissions selectivity. They should also consider graduation rates and which degree levels are offered, while looking closely at enrollment figures and the available school types to determine what best fits their needs.

How much does studying at a college in Berkeley, CA cost?

For a student in Berkeley, CA, the available average total cost of studying is $23,502. This is a useful planning benchmark, but it is not a confirmed price for an entire degree: your total depends on how many years you study, your program, and whether you attend UC Berkeley, Berkeley City College, or another local school. The reported average tuition and fees are $10,288.50, while average books and supplies are $1,442. Room and board is listed at $24,558; because that figure is higher than the reported total, treat these as separate averages rather than adding them together. Your actual housing cost could also vary if you live with family, share an apartment, or choose campus housing.

Compare current college budgets and ask financial-aid offices about grants, scholarships, and California-resident rates. These steps can make choosing a Berkeley-area school feel more exciting and financially manageable as you plan your next steps.

How long does it take to finish college in Berkeley, CA?

Most bachelor's degrees at UC Berkeley take four years of full-time study; associate degrees generally take two. In Berkeley, CA, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, work or family commitments, and whether you study full time. Many students take longer than the standard schedule, and that's normal.

Supplied graduation figures show a 93% average rate, suggesting most students in the measured group complete their degrees. The average rate is also 93% among top-ten-percent schools; reported rates are 92% for men and 94% for women. These figures offer encouraging context, though individual outcomes vary.

You may finish sooner by bringing in AP, IB, or community-college credits, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated pathway. At UC Berkeley, map your department's course sequence early and consult an adviser, since required classes can affect timing. Confirm transfer credits meet degree requirements before enrolling; planning ahead can make your Berkeley experience positive and manageable.

Salary

Graduates in Berkeley, CA, have a median alumni salary of $61,745. That figure is also reported for graduates of top-10% schools, offering a useful benchmark as you compare local options such as UC Berkeley and Berkeley City College. It is a general alumni figure, not a school-specific salary guarantee; your earnings can vary by degree, career field, and experience.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Berkeley?

Using "university" in its usual sense, Berkeley has one: the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). The city also has colleges and specialized graduate institutions, so a broader count of higher-education options depends on what you include. For a student living nearby, that mix can make exploring different academic paths especially convenient.

What is the largest university in Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is the largest university in the city, both in student population and overall campus scale. It is a major public research university, with a wide range of academic programs and a lively campus environment. For local students, its central Berkeley location makes it a prominent option to explore.

How many universities are there in Berkeley?

The answer is one if you mean institutions that are universities: UC Berkeley. The number can seem higher when nearby colleges, seminaries, or graduate schools are counted too, but those are not all universities. Checking each institution's programs and admissions requirements is a helpful way to compare local study choices.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Berkeley, CA Ranking in 2026-2027

University of California, Berkeley is a public research university in Berkeley, offering a broad range of academic pathways for students seeking a degree close to home. It enrolls 46,658 students, with a 93% graduation rate and an 11% acceptance rate. The total study cost is $44,148, while median alumni salary is $61,745. For a Berkeley, CA resident, its local setting can make campus visits and community connections convenient. Consider selectivity, expenses, and program fit when comparing your options.

Berkeley School of Theology is a specialized institution focused on theological study and preparation for religious leadership, rather than a broad, comprehensive university. For a prospective student living in Berkeley, CA, its local presence may offer a convenient setting for pursuing a degree and engaging with nearby communities. The supplied data lists an 89% acceptance rate and a total study cost of $2,856. Enrollment, graduation-rate, and alumni-salary figures are unavailable, so ask the school for current program and financial details.

Institute of Buddhist Studies offers a focused setting for students interested in Buddhist traditions and spiritual inquiry, rather than the broad curriculum of a large university. For a prospective degree seeker based in Berkeley, CA, the school's Berkeley-area identity can make study and participation in the surrounding community practical. The supplied data provides no figures for enrollment, graduation, acceptance, total study cost, or median alumni salary. Contact the institution directly to verify available degrees, admission requirements, and expenses.

Pacific School of Religion is a specialized institution for theological education, offering an alternative to universities for students exploring religion, ministry, or related fields. A Berkeley, CA student can consider its local setting when weighing travel, campus engagement, and connections with diverse communities. The supplied information does not report enrollment, graduation or acceptance rates, total study cost, or median alumni salary. Because these details are unavailable, prospective applicants should confirm degree offerings, tuition, and admission expectations with the school.

Church Divinity School of the Pacific is a specialized divinity school for students drawn to theological education and preparation for service in religious communities. For a potential student in Berkeley, CA, studying nearby may support campus participation without relocating far from home. The supplied data contains no enrollment, graduation-rate, acceptance-rate, total-cost, or alumni-salary figures for this school. Compare its degree options and ask admissions staff for current tuition, aid, scheduling, and application information before deciding whether it suits your goals.