Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of California-Berkeley

Blacksburg, VA — Berkeley, CA

Metric
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location Blacksburg, VA Berkeley, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 30,923 33,068
Acceptance Rate 54.8% 11.0%
SAT Average 1,364
In-State Tuition $15,948 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $37,764 $50,547
Avg Net Price $24,953 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.3% 92.9%
Retention Rate 93.1% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $67,377 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,698 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 661700.0% 641400.0%

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

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and University of California-Berkeley compare?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 $81,698. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 $24,953.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 86.3%.

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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