Fees and Tuition

Full-Time Program

Tuition and fees (including student health insurance) for the Master of Engineering program 2021-22 academic year are currently estimated at $53,821.50 for CA Residents and $62,066.50 for non-residents. The tuition, fees, and charges are estimates based on currently proposed amounts. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by State funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved levels (and thus a student’s final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown. Visit the Office of the Registrar‘s website for the current schedule of approved fees for the full-time program. Estimated living expenses are not included in tuition/fees.

Part-Time Program

Part-time option tuition and fees are $2,200 per unit. Degree completion is typically 2 academic years from enrollment, up to 3 years with approval.

The amounts shown here represent, for planning purposes, estimates of tuition and fees for existing and proposed professional degree programs. Accordingly, final figures are subject to change and may differ from the amounts shown.

Other Costs

Each year, UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division estimates the average costs for a graduate student during the nine-month academic year. These costs include living expenses, books and supplies, in addition to fees and tuition. These estimates are the basis for determining financial aid eligibility and supplemental loan borrowing limits. Because these estimates are averages, actual costs – especially housing costs – may be higher. Estimated living expenses are not included in tuition/fees (estimated costs for housing/transportation/food etc.).

Full-Time MEng Estimated Other Costs 2020-21

• Housing and Utilities $10,868
• Food $4,508
• Books and Supplies $1,094
• Personal $1,738
• Transportation $864

Financial Aid

Financial assistance, in the form of grants and loans, is available.

Full-Time MEng Grants

Consideration for our Fung Excellence Scholarship and MEng Opportunity Grant is based upon the information provided in the admissions application. Admissions decisions do not consider a student’s financial status or ability to pay tuition when offering admission to the program.

Fung Excellence Scholarship

All applications are automatically considered for the Fung Excellence Scholarship. This merit award is given to a subset of candidates with noteworthy academic or professional accomplishments, as determined by department faculty nominations. The award covers approximately 30-50% of the tuition and fees for the full-time MEng program.

MEng Opportunity Grant

Please fill out the grant section of the online application in order to be considered for an opportunity grant. Students who are awarded grants must demonstrate financial need. Special consideration is given to applicants whose background and life experiences contribute significantly to an educationally beneficial mix of students and enhance educational diversity. This may include applicants who have had limited access to educational resources, who represent geographic diversity, who have persevered over economic disadvantage, who have shown exceptional fortitude by working many hours to support themselves during their education, or whose experiences have brought about a perspective not widely represented within the program. The award covers approximately 25-30% of the tuition and fees for the MEng program.

We define diversity broadly, but also recognize the specific challenges facing students from particular demographic groups that have historically faced discrimination and marginalization, including but not limited to underrepresented minority students (particularly Black, Latinx, and Native students), students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, undocumented students, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, veterans, and first generation college students. We also recognize that diverse students bring a wide variety of strengths and cultural wealth that enrich our community. We recognize that diversity alone is not enough and that we also need to foster an inclusive and equitable community in which all our faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students belong and thrive.

Student Loans

Federal financial aid, in the form of loans, is available for graduate students who are either US citizens or permanent residents. To apply, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov any time after January 1. The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for need-based fellowships and departmental funding. UC Berkeley’s institution code for the FAFSA is 001312. You can apply for aid before you are admitted to Berkeley.

UC Berkeley participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, a federally funded, non-credit-based loan program for US citizens and permanent residents. Up to $20,500 may be borrowed annually through a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loan funds. Students wanting to borrow more than $20,500 can also use the Federal Grad PLUS Loan.

Private Loans

The UC Office of the President has compiled a comprehensive Preferred Lender List with fixed rate options, variable rate options, and interest payment (while in school) options. The selection process considered the needs of our students in the categories of pricing, service, and technology. International students will need a US co-signer in most cases.

International Students

International students are eligible for the Fung Excellence Scholarship and MEng Opportunity Grant, but not for loans through US federal financial aid. Most international students will be responsible for the entire cost of attendance for the one-year program, and should plan carefully to ensure adequate financial resources.

Outside Scholarships

The Master of Engineering Program is proud to have current students and alumni that received support from the following programs:

Cal Veteran College Fee Waiver

The Cal Veteran College Fee Waiver, a California state funded education benefit for dependents of disabled veterans, can be used for most programs at UC Berkeley. For more information, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Veterans Yellow Ribbon Program

The Master of Engineering program participates in the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP). Students who believe they qualify for 100% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits (also known as Chapter 33) can be considered. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides funding to cover the differential between in-state and out-of-state tuition for VA students who are determined to be non-residents by the UC Berkeley Residence Affairs Unit. For consideration for YRP funding, please express interest by answering the appropriate questions in the online admissions application. For more information contact: Jay T. Nelson Veteran Benefits 123 Sproul Hall (510)-642-1592.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) website provides extensive details on the education benefits available to veterans in various statuses, such as vocational/rehabilitation, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and active duty.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program promotes academic excellence and provides an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential. Support for graduate degrees may be pursued for the following fields: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, or science.

The Gem Fellowship Program

The GEM Fellowship – MS Engineering Fellowship Program. The objective of this program is to promote the benefits of a masters degree within industry. GEM Fellows are provided practical engineering summer work experiences through an employer sponsor and a portable academic year fellowship of tuition, fees, and a stipend which may be used at any participating GEM Member University including UC Berkeley. The mission of The National GEM Consortium is to enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science.

The Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program operates in more than 155 countries worldwide and has provided approximately 310,000 participants with the opportunity to study, teach, or conduct research in each others’ countries and exchange ideas. Approximately 8,000 competitive, merit-based grants are awarded annually in most academic disciplines and fields of study.

Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund Program

The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS) that helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean OAS Member States finance their studies or research in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to US $15,000 dollars.