Prospective Students

Funding Your Future

Your interactive guide to navigating financial aid for the 2025–26 academic year at the University of California, Berkeley.

Two-thirds of UC Berkeley students receive financial aid, totaling over

900

million dollars each year.

Your Financial Aid Journey in 3 Steps

1

Apply Early

File your FAFSA or CADAA every year. Berkeley’s school code is 001312. The priority deadline is March 2.

2

Understand Your Offer

Review your aid offer, learn about the conditions of your aid, and budget for your expenses.

3

Accept & Manage

Accept and manage your aid offers in CalCentral. Complete required tasks and enroll in direct deposit.

Financial Aid Checklist

• 
  File FAFSA or CADAA
• 
  View Aid Offer in CalCentral
• 
  Submit Cal Grant GPA Form
• 
  Fulfill Loan Requirements
• 
  Create CalNet ID
• 
  Look for a Work-Study Job
• 
  Complete Verification (if selected)
• 
  Enroll in Direct Deposit

Explore Your Options

Types of Aid
Cost of Attendance
Additional Support

2025–26 Estimated Costs (Before Aid)

The total cost combines direct costs (paid to the university) and personal expenses.
Your financial aid package will significantly reduce these amounts.

Living Arrangement	Residence Halls	On-Campus Apts	Off-Campus Apts
Direct Costs
Tuition & Fees	$17,106	$17,106	$17,106
Food & Housing	$22,398	$19,560	–
Health Insurance	$4,834	$4,834	$4,834
Personal Expenses
Housing & Utilities	–	–	$13,120
Books, Food & Other	$7,166	$10,822	$12,052
Total Expected Cost	$51,504	$52,322	$47,112

Contact Us

Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
201 Sproul Hall #1960, Berkeley, CA 94720-1960

Contact Cal Student Central at 510-664-9181 or open a case online.

financialaid.berkeley.edu

Navigating Your Financial Journey

Begin your journey by applying for aid by the Spring deadline. Learn more about what you can expect along the way with this introduction to financial aid at Berkeley.

• How to Apply for Aid
• Cost of Attendance
• International Students
• Meeting Nonresident Costs

Types of Aid

• Explore the types of financial aid available at Berkeley or find details about a specific offering:
• Innovative Berkeley Aid Programs
• Grants
• Scholarships
• Prizes and Honors
• Loans
• Work-study

Starting a New Year

Resources for the beginning of the school year.

• Award Notification
• Financial Aid checklist
• Maintaining Your Eligibility
• Share Information with Parents and Others
• Sign Up for Direct Deposit
• Understanding Your Commitment

Owning Your Finances

Resources that support personal financial management.

• Center for Financial Wellness
• Build a Budget
• Creating a Spending Plan
• Financial Aid Payments and Refunds
• iGrad personal finance tool
• Managing Debt
• Repaying Your Loan
• Saving Money
• Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) FAQ

Aid for Special Programs

Unlock your potential with specialized support.

• Disabled Students Program
• Newly Admitted Students Pathways
• Study Abroad
• Summer Aid
• Veterans Benefits

Other Campus Opportunities for Students

Berkeley opportunities you don’t want to miss out on!

• ASUC Student Union
• First Year Pathways
• Global Edge
• Research opportunities
• Student clubs and organizations
• Berkeley Study Abroad

Other Prospective Student Resources

Learn more about the university with Discover Berkeley, by signing up for a personalized email admissions guide, and exploring these additional student resources.

• Academic Calendar
• Academic Guide
• Admissions
• Admissions Dates and Deadlines
• Berkeley Life student blog
• Dining at Cal
• Housing Options
• Housing Rates
• Residential Life
• University Health Services

 

Notice of Availability:

Notice of Availability:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of California, Berkeley publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes current security policies plus crime and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. The body of the report also contains contact information for various campus and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance. A digital copy of the report can be accessed via the link below, or paper copies are available free of charge at 1 Sproul Hall.

UC Berkeley Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

 

Consumer Information:

For other important consumer information, please review the Consumer Information with the Office of the Registrar.