College Comparison
Stanford 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Stanford | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9%wins | 11.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,484 | $45,627wins |
| Avg Net Price | $12,136wins | $14,979 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $124,080wins | $92,446 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.8% | 92.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 96.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,841 | 33,073wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stanford edges out UC Berkeley 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.
Stanford Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,136
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $124,080
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,073
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.