University of California-Berkeley — Berkeley, CA

Mechanical Engineering

at University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $73,836/yr starting out — that's 146% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 1.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $14,979/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $64,653 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$42,708/yr

Starting Salary

$73,836

Finish Rate

92.9%

Household Income

$42,708/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $14,979/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $27,729/yr)

4 Years Total

$170,832

Typical Debt

$13,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$4,737

What You'd Really Pay

$64,653

That's about $148/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$738,360

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$64,653

Pays for Itself In

1.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+146%

Ahead After 10 Years

$673,707

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed25/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost19.5/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.