Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of California-Berkeley

University Park, PA — Berkeley, CA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location University Park, PA Berkeley, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 33,068
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 11.0%
SAT Average 1,337
In-State Tuition $20,644 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $50,547
Avg Net Price $32,875 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 92.9%
Retention Rate 92.6% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 641400.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of California-Berkeley compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, in-state tuition of $16,347, and median 10-year earnings of $92,446.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,446 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of California-Berkeley?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Berkeley is the more affordable option at $13,481 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 85.9%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025