University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Berkeley
La Jolla, CA — Berkeley, CA
| Metric | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | La Jolla, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 34,948 | 33,068 |
| Acceptance Rate | 26.7% | 11.0% |
| SAT Average | — | — |
| In-State Tuition | $16,758 | $16,347 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,958 | $50,547 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,470 | $13,481 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,500 | $13,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 86.8% | 92.9% |
| Retention Rate | 94.0% | 96.8% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $65,669 | $74,919 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $84,943 | $92,446 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 802100.0% | 641400.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of California-San Diego and University of California-Berkeley compare?▼
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. 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, University of California-San Diego or University of California-Berkeley?▼
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-San Diego or University of California-Berkeley?▼
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