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College Comparison

UC Berkeley vs Rutgers 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

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUC BerkeleyRutgers
Acceptance Rate11.7%wins65.3%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/A1270–1480wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/A28–33
Tuition (Out-of-State)$45,627$36,001wins
Avg Net Price$14,979wins$23,519
Median Earnings (10 yr)$92,446wins$74,479
Graduation Rate92.9%wins85.0%
Retention Rate96.8%wins92.6%
Student–Faculty Ratio18:115:1wins
Total Enrollment33,07336,357wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out Rutgers 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%
  • Avg Net Price: $14,979
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
  • Graduation Rate: 92.9%

Rutgers Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1480
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
  • Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
  • Total Enrollment: 36,357

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