UC Berkeley vs UCLA: Side-by-Side Comparison
Data-driven comparison to help you decide.
At a Glance
| Metric | UC Berkeley | UCLA | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7% | 9.0% | UC Berkeley (easier) |
| Graduation Rate | N/A | 92.6% | |
| Enrollment | 48,230 | 33,475 | UC Berkeley larger |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $48,176 | $49,403 | UC Berkeley cheaper |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $80,100 | $82,511 | UCLA |
| Median Debt | N/A | $14,000 | |
| Pell Grant Rate | 27.0% | 28.2% | Higher = more low-income students |
Decision Score Comparison
UC Berkeley
UCLA
Top Majors Compared
UC Berkeley
Social Sciences
18.2%
Computer Science
16.4%
Engineering
11.0%
Biological Sciences
9.5%
Multidisciplinary
5.0%
UCLA
Social Sciences
18.0%
Biological Sciences
12.0%
Psychology
10.0%
Engineering
9.0%
Visual/Performing Arts
8.0%
Which Should You Choose?
Both UC Berkeley and UCLA are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:
- If location matters: UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, CA while UCLA is in Los Angeles, CA
- If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
- If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
- If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours
Explore Each School
UC Berkeley
Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.