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College comparison
Georgia Tech vs UC Berkeley
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA |  UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Berkeley is more selective | 14% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1370–1540 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 18,785 | 33,068 |
| Avg net price | $12,116 | $13,481 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Georgia Tech reports higher median earnings | $102,772 | $92,446 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 93% |
| Median debt | $21,672 | $13,000 |
| Economic mobility | — | 4.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
Georgia Tech vs UC Berkeley: how they compare
Two elite public universities in major cities, one a West Coast powerhouse for broad excellence and the other a Southern epicenter for technology and engineering.
By the numbers Georgia Tech shows a higher 10-year median earnings figure ($103k vs. $92k) and a superior calculated value return (8.5x vs. 6.9x earnings per dollar of net price), paired with a slightly lower average net price ($12k vs. $13k). Berkeley is more selective (11% vs. 14% acceptance) and is a notable leader in creating future scholars, with a future-scholar (S&E PhD) yield of 6.2. Berkeley also excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 489%. Both have near-identical graduation rates (94% vs. 93%). Berkeley's admissions process shows higher volatility year-to-year (56% admit-rate volatility vs. Georgia Tech's 38%).
Where they overlap Both are highly prestigious public institutions located in vibrant, urban settings. They attract academically intense students and are core recruiting targets for leading global companies, particularly in technology and engineering. The campuses offer robust student services and safety resources.
How they differ Culturally, Georgia Tech is intensely focused on technology, engineering, and applied sciences, with a campus life often described as more collaborative within its core disciplines. UC Berkeley offers a world-class education across a broad range of disciplines, from humanities to sciences, within a politically active and intellectually charged environment. Its location in the Bay Area provides direct proximity to Silicon Valley.
Who each suits Georgia Tech suits the student focused on engineering, computing, or technology who prefers a concentrated, collaborative tech culture. UC Berkeley is a strong option for the high-achieving student who wants top-tier STEM options plus strength across the liberal arts and sciences, and who thrives in a politically engaged, intellectually diverse environment.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus or University of California-Berkeley harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is more selective: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and University of California-Berkeley's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs University of California-Berkeley?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1370–1540 at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and — at University of California-Berkeley. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.