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University of California-Berkeley and University of California-San Diego are both public institutions — University of California-Berkeley in Berkeley, CA and University of California-San Diego in La Jolla, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Berkeley, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 11.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 33,068
Tuition: $50,547/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 92.8%
Top programs: Computer science, Social sciences, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Berkeley, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Social sciences.
La Jolla, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 26.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 34,948
Tuition: $50,958/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.1%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in La Jolla, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Engineering.
| Factor | University of California-Berkeley | University of California-San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 11.0% | 26.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 33,068 | 34,948 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,547/year | $50,958/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,481 | $12,470 |
| Graduation rate | 92.8% | 86.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $92,446 | $84,943 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Berkeley, CA | La Jolla, CA |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Social sciences, Engineering | Biological sciences, Engineering, Social sciences |
University of California-Berkeley is more selective (11.0% vs 26.7% acceptance rate). University of California-San Diego has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,470 vs $13,481). University of California-Berkeley reports the higher graduation rate (92.8% vs 86.1%). University of California-San Diego is the larger undergraduate campus (34,948 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los Angeles
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University of California-Berkeley vs University of Southern California
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University of California-Berkeley vs Stanbridge University
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University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Irvine
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Common questions when choosing between University of California-Berkeley and University of California-San Diego
University of California-Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11.0%; University of California-San Diego is around 26.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-Berkeley tuition is $50,547/year. University of California-San Diego is $50,958/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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