Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate students at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory experience a unique integration of national laboratory and university research communities. The laboratory's hillside location overlooks the UC Berkeley campus, with shuttle buses connecting research areas throughout the day. Research groups at Berkeley Lab typically include scientists at all career stages working collaboratively. Graduate students benefit from mentorship by postdocs, staff scientists, and senior researchers. Group meetings, seminars, and laboratory-wide talks create opportunities for intellectual exchange and networking. The UC Berkeley campus provides student services, recreational facilities, and social connections. Berkeley's famous coffee shops, restaurants, and counterculture heritage create a distinctive university town atmosphere. San Francisco lies 30 minutes away by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), offering world-class urban amenities. The Bay Area climate features mild temperatures year-round, with summer fog and winter rain. The region's natural beauty includes Pacific beaches, redwood forests, and wine country all within easy reach. Outdoor recreation opportunities span hiking, biking, sailing, and skiing in the Sierra Nevada. Housing costs in the Bay Area are substantial, among the highest in the nation. UC Berkeley provides graduate student housing that helps manage costs, though waiting lists are common. The BART system enables commuting from more affordable areas, though long commutes affect work-life balance.
Location & Surroundings
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory occupies a hillside campus in the Berkeley Hills, directly above the UC Berkeley campus. The setting provides stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge while maintaining close integration with the university. The Bay Area hosts an extraordinary concentration of research institutions, technology companies, and innovation ecosystems. Stanford University, UC San Francisco, and numerous national laboratories create a dense network of scientific collaboration. Silicon Valley's technology companies actively partner with research institutions. Berkeley combines university town character with proximity to San Francisco's metropolitan amenities. The city's progressive politics, diverse population, and culinary scene create distinctive culture. Oakland, immediately adjacent, offers urban neighborhoods with somewhat lower housing costs. The Mediterranean climate features dry, mild summers and wet, mild winters. Summer fog moderates temperatures, while winter rarely brings frost. The lack of extreme temperatures enables year-round outdoor activities. Transportation includes BART rapid transit connecting the East Bay with San Francisco and regional destinations. AC Transit buses serve local routes. The laboratory operates shuttle buses between its campus and UC Berkeley. San Francisco and Oakland international airports provide global connectivity. Cycling is popular given the favorable climate, though hills challenge commuters.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduate students conducting research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory typically receive funding through UC Berkeley graduate support, laboratory research funding, or a combination. UC Berkeley provides competitive stipends for doctoral students in STEM fields, currently ranging from $40,000-50,000 annually plus tuition remission. The Bay Area's extremely high cost of living challenges students on graduate stipends. Housing costs often exceed $2,000 monthly for shared apartments, with single apartments running $2,500-3,500. UC Berkeley graduate student housing helps manage costs for those who secure it. Food, transportation, and personal expenses require approximately $1,500-2,000 monthly additional. Some graduate students supplement income through teaching assistantships or external fellowships. The DOE CSGF (Computational Science Graduate Fellowship), NSF GRFP, and other competitive fellowships provide enhanced support. Laboratory internships and part-time positions may supplement academic year funding. Career outcomes for Berkeley Lab-trained graduates are exceptional. Alumni hold faculty positions at leading research universities, staff scientist positions at national laboratories, and leadership roles at technology companies. The laboratory's reputation and Bay Area location create strong career networks. Starting salaries for doctoral graduates range from $80,000-130,000 in national laboratory or industry positions. Bay Area technology companies often offer higher compensation. Academic positions provide competitive salaries plus research startup packages. The laboratory's alumni network facilitates placement throughout scientific careers.
Campus Location
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