College Comparison
Boston University vs UC Berkeley: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 11.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $45,627wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996 | $14,979wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238 | $92,446wins |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0% | 92.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850 | 33,073wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out Boston University 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.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.