College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs UC San Diego: 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
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7%wins | 24.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627wins | $46,042 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979 | $11,750wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446wins | $84,943 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9%wins | 87.6% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 93.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073 | 33,787wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out UC San Diego on 6 of 8 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
UC San Diego Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $11,750
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,787
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