San Diego State University vs University of California-Berkeley

San Diego, CA — Berkeley, CA

Metric
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location San Diego, CA Berkeley, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 35,377 33,068
Acceptance Rate 36.2% 11.0%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $8,728 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $21,328 $50,547
Avg Net Price $15,364 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $15,000 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 77.3% 92.9%
Retention Rate 90.6% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $52,620 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $64,909 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 794300.0% 641400.0%

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

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San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
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University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do San Diego State University and University of California-Berkeley compare?
San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) has an acceptance rate of 36.2%, in-state tuition of $8,728, and median 10-year earnings of $64,909. 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, San Diego State University or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,446 vs $64,909. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, San Diego State University 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 $15,364.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 77.3%.

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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