College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs Vanderbilt 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
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7% | 6.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627wins | $63,946 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979wins | $19,040 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446wins | $91,565 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9%wins | 92.7% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out Vanderbilt on 6 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 7:1
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