College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs Purdue University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
School
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7%wins | 50.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1190–1460wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 27–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627 | $28,794wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979 | $13,945wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446wins | $72,424 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9%wins | 83.1% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 14:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073 | 39,637wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Purdue edges out UC Berkeley on 5 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
Purdue Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1190–1460
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
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