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College comparison
United States Naval Academy 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 |  United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD |  UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUnited States Naval Academy is more selective | 9% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1210–1410 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 4,474 | 33,068 |
| Avg net price | — | $13,481 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | — | $92,446 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 93% |
| Median debt | — | $13,000 |
| Economic mobility | — | 4.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | Annapolis, MD |
United States Naval Academy vs UC Berkeley: how they compare
This is a comparison between a premier, tuition-free federal service academy and a world-class public research university, defined by a fundamental choice between a structured military path and a flexible civilian education.
By the numbers Selectivity is similarly high, with the Naval Academy at a 9% acceptance rate and UC Berkeley at 11%. Outcomes diverge sharply: Berkeley graduates report a strong 10-year median earnings of $92k and an exceptional economic mobility rate of 489%, with the education offering a high value of 6.9x earnings per dollar of net price (avg. $13k). The Naval Academy, with a graduation rate of 93% (identical to Berkeley’s), provides a guaranteed career path as a commissioned officer with no tuition cost. Berkeley shows higher admit-rate volatility (56% vs. 26%) and a notable future-scholar yield of 6.2 for Science & Engineering PhDs.
Where they overlap Both are intensely rigorous, high-achieving environments with graduation rates of 93%. Each provides a pathway to naval service, either directly through the Academy or via Berkeley's NROTC program. They attract students seeking challenge and consequential careers.
How they differ Culture and daily life are opposites. The Naval Academy is a highly disciplined military institution in a suburban setting, focused on leadership, physical fitness, and regimented camaraderie. UC Berkeley is an open, politically active, and intellectually exploratory campus in an urban setting, offering vast academic flexibility and student autonomy.
Who each suits The Naval Academy suits a student committed to a military career from day one, who thrives under strict structure, values deep camaraderie, and seeks a tuition-free education with guaranteed service obligations. UC Berkeley is for the independent, self-directed student who prioritizes academic breadth and research, values civic engagement and intellectual freedom, and may be weighing civilian career paths alongside or instead of military service.
Quick answers
- Is United States Naval Academy or University of California-Berkeley harder to get into?
- United States Naval Academy is more selective: United States Naval Academy's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and University of California-Berkeley's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for United States Naval Academy vs University of California-Berkeley?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1210–1410 at United States Naval Academy 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.