MNDYD

We are still trying to decide between Berkeley and Minnesota. The economy in California hasn't been too great (horrible, actually...) and we were wondering if that would affect Berkeley. Is it possible that Berkeley's curriculum, its research funding, etc. would be compromised? How likely is it that they would greatly raise tuition and housing fees in the next few years?

Fasttrack

Most UCs already cut enrollment this year (with the exception of Berkeley - which apparently increased its enrollment spots, and UCLA - stayed roughly the same). But overall, yea - the effects of the economic crisis is going to affect the whole UC system. The fees and tuition costs have already been increased from last year, California state taxes increased almost to 9% - so unless the California budget can get reformed, you can expect the cost to rise and funding decrease.

fiesta of fire

they won't greatly raise tuition and what not. They'll just put bigger priority on OoS students to reel in more cash.

other than that, I haven't heard of any plans to increase tuition much more, I think they added 2-3k this year

Batman17

Definitely likely to keep rising and the classes/discussion/labs will continue to be smaller. =(

blueducky

WHy does Berkeley cost $3K more than UCLA??

Lupirius

^
housing at berkeley is 15k; at UCLA it's 12k, i think

blueducky

berkeley housing isnt even that great

Lupirius

true, but the university is

blueducky

Is it worth $4K/year over UCLA?

Lupirius

it really depends on your major. for example, if you are majoring in engineering, it's definitely worth it since Berkeley is ranked 3rd in the nation.

forever09

The whole economic crisis affecting UC's, pretty much a money thing.
Wouldn't it affect how much money is available as financial aid in public schools?

blueducky

I'm doing Chemical Biology as a premed inside the CoC. At UCLA, I'm a Biochemistry major. Is UCB > UCLA + $4K/year?

Lupirius

if you are thinking about premed, then UCLA might be a better choice for you since there are more premed students there. The CoC is very prestigious though. It's really up to you. Visit the campuses if you can, or take a virtual tour, and decide which one is better for you. $4k really isn't that much when you compare it to the price of a private school.

LeftistHominid

^UCLA having more premeds means more competition.

Lupirius

^but more study buddies!