Tuition and Financial Aid

The I School’s online students are assessed program tuition fees, which are charged per enrolled unit of coursework, and the Berkeley campus fee, which is charged per enrolled semester. The online master’s programs are 27 units each.* Students are also assessed the Document Management Fee, which is a one-time fee charged in the first term of enrollment.

Starting in the Fall 2024 semester, all MIDS/MICS students must have health insurance that meets the University’s criteria. Students will be automatically enrolled in and charged for the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) to meet this requirement. In order to opt out of UC SHIP, students must have other medical health insurance that meets all of the waiver criteria and must complete an online waiver application by the specified deadline. The cost of SHIP in the 2024-2025 Academic Year is $3,221 per Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 semester and $1,624 per Summer 2025 semester, or $8,066 per year.

Additionally, for each program there will be a $500 immersion fee. Students will also be responsible for the cost of their hotel stay during the immersion and travel to and from the immersion. Fees are subject to change each academic year; new fees typically take effect in the fall term.

*The online master’s programs are 30 units for Minnesota and Arkansas residents.

MIDS

Estimated total tuition and fees for the degree for a new student starting Fall 2024 are currently $81,806, not including health insurance; most students complete the degree in approximately two years. The exact amount of tuition and fees may depend on a variety of factors including number of semesters enrolled, whether students are enrolled in summer terms, and future fees or increases determined by the UC Regents. Refund schedules are determined by the Office of the Registrar. Detailed information about tuition, fees, and refunds.

For the 2024-2025 academic year (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025), MIDS program fees are as follows:

MICS

Estimated total tuition and fees for the degree for a new student starting Fall 2024 are currently $78,080; most students complete the degree in approximately two years. The exact amount of tuition and fees may depend on a variety of factors including number of semesters enrolled, whether students are enrolled in summer terms, and future fees or increases determined by the UC Regents. Refund schedules are determined by the Office of the Registrar. Detailed information about tuition, fees, and refunds.

For the 2024-2025 academic year (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025), MICS program fees are as follows:

¹The tuition, fees, and charges displayed here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final. 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. Students should expect fees to moderately increase each fall term.

During the summer term, IREF (the Instructional Resilience and Enhancement Fee) is charged only to first-term students or students who were on a leave of absence during the preceding spring.

** Students have the option to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) if they have other major medical health insurance that meet the SHIP waiver criteria and don’t wish to have dual coverage. For waiver qualifications, instructions, forms, and FAQs, please see Waiving SHIP.

Fee assessment example, not including SHIP:

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal financial aid programs, which include student loans. We encourage you to apply for financial aid as early as possible. To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must be registered in a minimum of 6 units per semester. Students who choose to take a less accelerated path toward completion of the degree should be aware that this will impact federal financial aid eligibility.

To apply for federal aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Federal School Code for UC Berkeley is 001312.

Financial Aid Checklist (PDF, 62kb)

For additional information on the cost of attendance, please visit: Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Cost of Attendance.

Students may be eligible for the following funding options to help in paying tuition:

One of the ways that students fund their master’s degree program is through employer sponsorship. While your company may not advertise that this funding is available, they may have funds available to you if you put in a request.

Beyond funding, employers can also support your degree progress through adding flexibility to your schedule and providing new challenges and opportunities to take advantage of your growing skill set. Having a scheduled conversation to discuss your professional development goals is a great idea to help foster support, in whatever form it may take.

For information to help you request employer support or sponsorship, download our sponsorship tips sheet:

Private loans (also known as alternative loans) can help fill the gap between the cost of education and the amount of other financial aid offered. Private lenders vary in interest rates, terms, and eligibility requirements.

The University of California, Office of the President, provides a list of private loan lenders for international students, however you may choose any lender. You may visit the Berkeley International Office website for more information. Please also see the University of California Code of Conduct in Regard to Preferred Lender Arrangements.

Contact an Admissions Counselor today with any questions, or fill out a brief form to request more information.

I School Online Tuition, Billing and Financial Aid FAQ (PDF, 244kb)