Optometry at University of California-Berkeley
First Professional Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Berkeley graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn $89k, placing them in the 14th percentile of all optometry professional programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Optometry professional's programs at peer institutions in California (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley | $88,760 | $112,227 | — | — |
| Western University of Health Sciences | $84,910 | $101,019 | — | — |
| Marshall B Ketchum University | $81,645 | $101,484 | — | — |
| National Median | $97,611 | — | — | — |
Other Optometry Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western University of Health Sciences Pomona | — | $84,910 | — |
| Marshall B Ketchum University Fullerton | — | $81,645 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of California-Berkeley, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.