University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-San Diego

Berkeley, CA — La Jolla, CA

Metric
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Location Berkeley, CA La Jolla, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 33,068 34,948
Acceptance Rate 11.0% 26.7%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $16,347 $16,758
Out-of-State Tuition $50,547 $50,958
Avg Net Price $13,481 $12,470
Median Debt at Graduation $13,000 $15,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 92.9% 86.8%
Retention Rate 96.8% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $74,919 $65,669
Median Earnings (10 yr) $92,446 $84,943
Loan Repayment Rate 641400.0% 802100.0%

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

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

How do University of California-Berkeley and University of California-San Diego compare?
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. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Berkeley or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,446 vs $84,943. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Berkeley or University of California-San Diego?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-San Diego is the more affordable option at $12,470 per year versus $13,481.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 86.8%.

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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