UC Berkeley vs UCLA: A Data-Driven Comparison
Both universities are highly selective, but UCLA edges ahead with an 8.57% acceptance rate compared to Berkeley's 11.33%. This makes UCLA slightly more competitive for admission.
Cost and Value
UCLA offers marginally better value with lower tuition ($13,747 in-state, $44,524 out-of-state) versus Berkeley ($14,850 in-state, $45,627 out-of-state). UCLA's average net price is also lower at $14,013 compared to Berkeley's $14,979. However, Berkeley graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $92,446 versus UCLA's $82,511. Median debt levels are comparable at $13,000 (Berkeley) and $14,000 (UCLA).
Academic Environment
Both schools maintain identical 18:1 student-faculty ratios and nearly identical enrollment around 33,000 students. Graduation rates are virtually the same at 92.9% (Berkeley) and 92.7% (UCLA), with retention rates both at 96.7%.
Academic Strengths
Berkeley excels in engineering, computer science, and business, consistently ranking among the top public universities for these fields. UCLA is particularly strong in medicine, psychology, film, and life sciences.
Campus Experience
Berkeley offers a politically active, intellectually intense environment in the San Francisco Bay Area. UCLA provides a more balanced college experience with strong athletics, entertainment industry connections, and Southern California lifestyle.
Berkeley suits students seeking rigorous academics and research opportunities in STEM fields. UCLA fits those wanting a well-rounded college experience with strong professional programs and West Coast culture.
Both universities are highly selective, but UCLA edges ahead with an 8.57% acceptance rate compared to Berkeley's 11.33%. This makes UCLA slightly more competitive for admission.
Cost and Value
UCLA offers marginally better value with lower tuition ($13,747 in-state, $44,524 out-of-state) versus Berkeley ($14,850 in-state, $45,627 out-of-state). UCLA's average net price is also lower at $14,013 compared to Berkeley's $14,979. However, Berkeley graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $92,446 versus UCLA's $82,511. Median debt levels are comparable at $13,000 (Berkeley) and $14,000 (UCLA).
Academic Environment
Both schools maintain identical 18:1 student-faculty ratios and nearly identical enrollment around 33,000 students. Graduation rates are virtually the same at 92.9% (Berkeley) and 92.7% (UCLA), with retention rates both at 96.7%.
Academic Strengths
Berkeley excels in engineering, computer science, and business, consistently ranking among the top public universities for these fields. UCLA is particularly strong in medicine, psychology, film, and life sciences.
Campus Experience
Berkeley offers a politically active, intellectually intense environment in the San Francisco Bay Area. UCLA provides a more balanced college experience with strong athletics, entertainment industry connections, and Southern California lifestyle.
Berkeley suits students seeking rigorous academics and research opportunities in STEM fields. UCLA fits those wanting a well-rounded college experience with strong professional programs and West Coast culture.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of California-Berkeley | University of California-Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.3% | 8.6% |
| Enrollment | 33,073 | 33,040 |
| In-State Tuition | $14,850 | $13,747 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $45,627 | $44,524 |
| Net Price | $14,979 | $14,013 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.9% | 92.7% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8% | 96.8% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $92,446 | $82,511 |
| Median Debt | $13,000 | $14,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of California-Berkeley | University of California-Los Angeles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $128,868 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $110,878 |
| Computer Science. | $125,388 | Computer Engineering. | $97,071 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $81,456 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $90,678 |
| Chemical Engineering. | $80,718 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $83,915 |
| Operations Research. | $76,460 | Civil Engineering. | $68,592 |