University of California-Berkeley
CA · Public · 100% graduation rate
ROI by Major
Debt and earnings data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI grades compare median student debt at graduation to earnings 1 and 5 years after completion, adjusted for NCES IPEDS graduation rates.
| Major | Median Debt | Year 1 Earnings | Year 5 Earnings | ROI Grade | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $19K | $95K | $147K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $19K | $95K | $147K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Applied Mathematics | $19K | $78K | $126K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | $19K | $92K | $129K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Mechanical Engineering | $19K | $92K | $129K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Chemical Engineering | $19K | $92K | $129K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $22K | $65K | $89K | B | BUY |
| Public Health | $24K | $62K | $86K | B | BUY |
| Legal Professions and Studies | $22K | $55K | $77K | B | BUY |
| Political Science and Government | $22K | $58K | $78K | B | BUY |
| Sociology | $22K | $58K | $78K | B | BUY |
| Economics | $22K | $58K | $78K | C | BUY |
| Social Sciences, Other | $22K | $58K | $78K | C | BUY |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $22K | $55K | $74K | C | BUY |
| Biology | $22K | $55K | $74K | C | BUY |
| Cognitive Science | $22K | $52K | $72K | C | BUY |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $22K | $50K | $68K | C | CAUTION |
| Communication and Media Studies | $22K | $52K | $69K | C | CAUTION |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $22K | $48K | $65K | C | CAUTION |
| English Language and Literature | $23K | $48K | $64K | C | CAUTION |
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your major. The highest-ROI major at University of California-Berkeley earns a grade of A, with median debt of $19K and year-5 earnings of $147K. Compare debt-to-earnings ratios across majors before deciding.
University of California-Berkeley has a 100% graduation rate. A higher graduation rate generally correlates with better student support and outcomes, which can impact your return on investment.
Median debt varies significantly by major at University of California-Berkeley. For example, Computer Science graduates have median debt of $19K. Review the ROI by Major table above for a full breakdown.
The top-earning major is Computer Science with median year-5 earnings of $147K. We rank each major by its debt-to-earnings ROI score to help you compare options.
Related Schools & Majors
ROI scores are calculated by comparing median debt at graduation to median earnings 1 and 5 years after completion, weighted by graduation rate. Grades range from A (strong return) to F (poor return).