Berkeley Tuition 2026: Costs, Fees, In-State, Out-of-State, Aid and Payment Guide
UC Berkeley tuition can look simple until you compare California resident cost, out-of-state cost, housing, SHIP insurance, personal expenses and financial aid. The number students actually need is not just tuition—it is the full yearly cost before and after aid.
For new 2026-27 undergraduates, Berkeley lists $18,216 tuition and fees for California residents. Students in a campus residence hall should budget about $54,470 before aid. New nonresident students add $39,270, raising many out-of-state budgets above $93,000.
2026-27 resident tuition and fees for new undergraduates.
Nonresident Supplemental Tuition for new out-of-state undergraduates.
Resident campus residence hall cost of attendance before aid.
Student health insurance charge unless waived with comparable coverage.
Quick answer: what should a Berkeley student budget?
A new California resident living in a campus residence hall should plan around $54,470 before financial aid.
A new out-of-state student in a campus residence hall should plan around $93,740 before aid because of the $39,270 nonresident charge.
Berkeley tuition guide quick navigation
Berkeley tuition and cost of attendance 2026-27
UC Berkeley publishes different budgets by living arrangement. This matters because housing and personal expenses can change the real cost more than tuition.
| Living arrangement | Tuition & fees | Living expenses billed by Berkeley | SHIP | Total direct cost | Total cost of attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus residence hall | $18,216 | $23,640 | $5,066 | $46,922 | $54,470 |
| On-campus apartment | $18,216 | $20,500 | $5,066 | $43,782 | $56,030 |
| Off-campus apartment | $18,216 | Not billed as campus housing | $5,066 | $23,282 | $49,502 |
| Living with relatives | $18,216 | Not billed as campus housing | $5,066 | $23,282 | $39,050 |
| Living arrangement | Resident COA | Add nonresident tuition | Estimated nonresident COA | What this means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus residence hall | $54,470 | $39,270 | $93,740 | Most useful estimate for an out-of-state freshman in dorm housing. |
| On-campus apartment | $56,030 | $39,270 | $95,300 | Highest listed undergraduate living-arrangement total. |
| Off-campus apartment | $49,502 | $39,270 | $88,772 | Depends heavily on actual rent and utilities. |
| Living with relatives | $39,050 | $39,270 | $78,320 | Lower living cost, but nonresident tuition still applies. |
UC Berkeley student budgets
Popular Berkeley tuition searches answered fast
These are the exact cost questions students and parents usually search before applying, committing or paying the first bill.
Berkeley tuition
$18,216 tuition and fees for new California resident undergraduates in 2026-27.
Full cost is higher after housing, food, SHIP, books, transport and personal expenses.
Berkeley tuition fees in-state
$18,216 for tuition and fees for new California resident undergraduates.
Residence hall total cost before aid is about $54,470.
Berkeley tuition fees out-of-state
New nonresident undergraduates add $39,270 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
Residence hall cost before aid is about $93,740.
Berkeley tuition per semester
The Registrar fee schedule lists $7,101 tuition per semester for the 2026-27 undergraduate cohort.
New student semester total is listed as $11,890 resident and $31,525 nonresident, including SHIP and document fee.
Berkeley room and board
Campus residence hall living expenses are listed at $23,640.
On-campus apartment living expenses are listed at $20,500.
Berkeley cost of attendance
Resident totals range from $39,050 to $56,030 before aid based on living arrangement.
New nonresidents should add $39,270.
Berkeley tuition after aid
California families earning up to $100,000 may receive enough grant and scholarship funds to cover UC tuition under Blue & Gold rules.
Housing, food and personal expenses may still need separate planning.
Berkeley international student cost
International students should usually plan like nonresidents.
Budget for nonresident tuition, SHIP/insurance, travel, housing and visa-related expenses.
Berkeley payment plan
The Fee Payment Plan can split eligible fall/spring registration fees into five monthly installments.
The participation fee is $60 per semester.
Berkeley SHIP waiver
SHIP is $5,066 in the budget.
Fall 2026 waiver period runs May 1 to July 15, with late waiver window through August 15 subject to a $75 late fee.
Berkeley in-state vs out-of-state tuition: what changes?
UC Berkeley is public, so residency matters. California residents use the resident tuition and fee budget. New nonresidents pay the extra Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.
| Student type | Tuition treatment | Key cost impact | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| California resident | Resident tuition and fees | $18,216 tuition and fees | Check Blue & Gold, Cal Grant and UC aid before assuming full price. |
| Out-of-state U.S. student | Resident base + nonresident supplement | Add $39,270 | Apply for outside scholarships early; nonresident cost is the biggest jump. |
| International student | Usually nonresident cost structure | Add nonresident tuition and travel/insurance planning | Budget for visa, travel, SHIP/insurance and currency-transfer timing. |
Review Berkeley residency rules
Berkeley financial aid: grants, Blue & Gold, calculator and out-of-state limits
The most important aid distinction is resident vs nonresident. California residents may have stronger access to state and UC grant programs. Nonresidents should plan more carefully because the supplemental tuition is large.
Most California families earning up to $100,000 receive enough grant/scholarship funds to cover UC tuition.
Berkeley says average gift aid for undergraduates is over $27,500.
UC’s calculator estimates gift aid and net cost for full-time undergraduates entering Fall 2026.
Berkeley encourages out-of-state students to research outside scholarships.
| Aid / resource | Who it helps | What it may cover | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan | Most California families up to $100,000 income | UC tuition through grants/scholarships from all sources | Submit FAFSA or CADAA and required aid documents on time. |
| Cal Grant | Eligible California students | Tuition and fee support depending on eligibility | Meet state deadlines and GPA verification requirements. |
| Middle Class Scholarship | Some California middle-income families | May reduce net cost | Check eligibility through state aid updates. |
| Outside scholarships | Residents and nonresidents | Can help with tuition, housing or personal expenses | Apply early; report awards to Berkeley. |
| Work-study / part-time work | Eligible aid recipients | Can help with personal expenses | Balance work hours with class schedule. |
| Loans | Students/families with remaining gap | Can cover remaining balance, but must be repaid | Borrow only after grants, scholarships and payment plan options. |
Berkeley SHIP health insurance: $5,066 charge and waiver deadline
UC Berkeley includes SHIP in the student budget. It can be waived only if the student has comparable insurance and completes the waiver process during the posted period.
| Item | Official detail | Student action |
|---|---|---|
| SHIP budget amount | $5,066 | Check whether SHIP appears on your CalCentral bill. |
| Fall 2026 waiver period | May 1, 2026 to July 15, 2026 | Submit waiver by July 15 to avoid late fee. |
| Late waiver period | July 16 to August 15, 2026 | Late waiver may be accepted with $75 late fee. |
| Final deadline | No waivers after August 15, 2026 | Do not wait until move-in or first week of class. |
| Annual waiver | New waiver needed each year | Approved spring waivers do not roll over to fall. |
Open Berkeley SHIP waiver rules
How to pay Berkeley tuition: CalCentral, e-Check and Fee Payment Plan
Berkeley billing runs through CalCentral. Students should check charges, aid, SHIP, housing and any previous balance before paying.
Berkeley Fee Payment Plan basics
| Question | Answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| How many installments? | Five monthly installments per semester | Can help families spread fall or spring registration fees. |
| Participation fee? | $60 nonrefundable fee per semester | Add this to your cost plan. |
| Enroll once for the year? | No | You must enroll each fall and spring semester. |
| Can parent/delegate activate it? | No | Only the student can activate FPP through CalCentral. |
| Minimum balance? | Fees must be assessed with minimum balance of $600 | You may not see the option until charges are posted. |
| What if installment is late? | Late fees and account block may happen | Set reminders for every installment. |
Video: understanding Berkeley financial aid
This video is useful for students who want a quick explanation of how aid can change the real cost of attending UC Berkeley.
Berkeley tuition due dates and billing timing
Berkeley says exact due dates appear in CalCentral once fees are assessed. Fall fees are typically assessed in July, spring fees in November, and tuition is typically due the Friday before instruction starts.
| Timing | What happens | What student should check |
|---|---|---|
| July | Fall fees typically assessed | Tuition, fees, SHIP, housing, aid and due date. |
| Friday before instruction | Fees are typically due | Pay in full or activate FPP if eligible. |
| Mid-September | Fall FPP enrollment deadline period | Refer to second installment due date. |
| November | Spring fees typically assessed | Check spring balance separately. |
| Mid-February | Spring FPP enrollment deadline period | Refer to second installment due date. |
Before you choose Berkeley: parent and student cost checklist
UC Berkeley tuition contacts, official links and map
Use the right office. Billing, financial aid, residency and health insurance are separate issues.
Best for: billing, payments, financial aid questions, registration and student account help.
Best for: grants, scholarships, aid estimates, Blue & Gold, net cost and awards.
Mailing address: UC Berkeley, 201 Sproul Hall #1960, Berkeley, CA 94720-1960.
Best for: official fee schedule, residency, tuition stability and student records.
Best for: SHIP, waiver criteria, health insurance deadlines and waiver appeal.
UC Berkeley campus map
FAQs about Berkeley tuition 2026
How much is Berkeley tuition for California residents in 2026-27?
For new undergraduates, UC Berkeley lists resident tuition and fees at $18,216 before housing, food, SHIP, books, transportation and personal expenses.
How much is Berkeley out-of-state tuition?
New nonresident undergraduates add $39,270 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Residence hall cost before aid is about $93,740.
What is Berkeley total cost of attendance?
For residents, the 2026-27 total is $54,470 for residence hall, $56,030 for on-campus apartment, $49,502 for off-campus apartment and $39,050 for living with relatives.
What is Berkeley tuition per semester?
The 2026-27 Registrar fee schedule lists tuition at $7,101 per semester for the new undergraduate cohort. New student resident semester total is listed at $11,890 including SHIP and document fee.
What is Berkeley room and board?
Residence hall living expenses are $23,640. On-campus apartment living expenses are $20,500.
Can Berkeley tuition be covered by financial aid?
Yes, for many California residents. Berkeley says most California families earning up to $100,000 receive enough grant and scholarship funds from all sources to cover UC tuition.
Does Berkeley financial aid cover housing?
Financial aid can help with the full cost of attendance, but tuition coverage does not automatically mean all housing, food and personal expenses are covered.
Can UC Berkeley SHIP be waived?
Yes, if the student has comparable insurance and submits the online waiver by the posted deadline. For Fall 2026, the regular waiver period runs May 1 to July 15.
Can Berkeley tuition be paid in installments?
Yes. The Fee Payment Plan can split eligible fall and spring registration fees into five monthly installments, with a $60 nonrefundable fee each semester.
Is Berkeley worth the cost?
The answer depends on residency, aid, major, housing choice, debt, career plans and family budget. Compare Berkeley by net price after grants, not by sticker price alone.