University of California-Berkeley vs Berkeley City College: which has better ROI?
The verdict
University of California-Berkeley has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,924 in 1.2 years versus not at all at Berkeley City College, on median earnings of $92,446 vs $41,217 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley City College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,481 | $9,096 |
| Total net cost | $53,924 | $18,192 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $92,446 | $41,217 |
| Median debt | $13,000 | — |
| Payback | 1.2 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $827,796 | -$161,052 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
University of California-Berkeley vs Berkeley City College: frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Berkeley or Berkeley City College a better value?
University of California-Berkeley. It clears its $53,924 net cost in about 1.2 years versus no clear payback at Berkeley City College, on median earnings of $92,446 vs $41,217 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Berkeley or Berkeley City College?
Berkeley City College: $9,096/yr net price after aid versus $13,481/yr at University of California-Berkeley — a difference of $4,385 a year, or about $35,732 over four years.
Do University of California-Berkeley or Berkeley City College graduates earn more?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn a median $92,446 ten years after entry, versus $41,217 at Berkeley City College — a $51,229 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.