Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute vs University of California-Berkeley

Troy, NY — Berkeley, CA

Metric
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location Troy, NY Berkeley, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 5,714 33,068
Acceptance Rate 63.5% 11.0%
SAT Average 1,456
In-State Tuition $64,081 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $64,081 $50,547
Avg Net Price $36,228 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $23,750 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.4% 92.9%
Retention Rate 90.7% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $83,054 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $102,051 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 189900.0% 641400.0%

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

Full Profile
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and University of California-Berkeley compare?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) has an acceptance rate of 63.5%, in-state tuition of $64,081, and median 10-year earnings of $102,051. 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, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or University of California-Berkeley?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,051 vs $92,446. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 $36,228.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 83.4%.

More Comparisons

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