Is NYU or UC Berkeley worth the cost for undergrad?

UC Berkeley is more likely to be worth the cost for undergrad, especially if you would need to borrow heavily.

One major differentiator is cost structure. NYU is famously expensive, and for many families the net price stays high unless the aid package is unusually strong. Berkeley can still be costly, especially for out-of-state students, but when students compare long-term debt against likely starting salary, Berkeley often comes out looking safer. For undergrad, that matters a lot, because large debt can limit what internships, cities, or first jobs are realistic after graduation.

Another difference is where the reputation is strongest. NYU has clear advantages in certain areas, especially finance, the arts, media, and programs tied closely to New York City. But Berkeley carries broader academic weight across more disciplines and is especially respected for STEM, social sciences, and research opportunities.

The student experience also affects value. NYU offers a very urban, decentralized experience integrated into Manhattan, and that access can be genuinely useful for networking. Berkeley has strong access too, particularly through the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, labs, startups, and public-interest spaces, while also offering a more traditional campus environment.

The exception is if NYU gives you significantly better financial aid or if your goals are very specifically tied to industries where New York access is central.