Loading…
College comparison
UC Berkeley vs UCLA
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 |  UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA |  UCLA Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Los Angeles is more selective | 11% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 33,068 | 33,475 |
| Avg net price | $13,481 | $12,548 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)UC Berkeley reports higher median earnings | $92,446 | $82,511 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 93% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 4.9% | 5.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
UC Berkeley vs UCLA: how they compare
Two elite public universities with distinct characters, where the choice often hinges on cultural fit more than raw outcomes.
By the numbers Berkeley's graduates lead in median 10-year earnings ($92k vs. UCLA's $83k), translating to a slightly higher calculated value (6.9× vs. 6.6× earnings per dollar of net price, with both schools having a $13k average net price). UCLA is marginally more selective (9% vs. 11% acceptance rate) and shows a higher economic mobility rate (560% vs. 489%) and greater admit-rate volatility (64% vs. 56%). Berkeley distinguishes itself with a strong future-scholar yield of 6.2 for Science & Engineering PhDs, a metric not provided for UCLA. Both share a 93% graduation rate.
Where they overlap Both are premier public research universities in major California city settings, offering exceptional academic rigor and similar financial accessibility. Their graduation rates are identical, indicating strong student support structures.
How they differ The cultural divergence is pronounced. Berkeley is described as a highly academic, research-driven environment, with a strong STEM focus and integration with Bay Area tech. UCLA is portrayed as offering a vibrant campus life with a broader range of major exploration, coupled with access to Los Angeles industries.
Who each suits UC Berkeley suits the student seeking an intellectually intense, STEM-oriented environment who values academic prestige and tech industry connection. UCLA is a match for the student who wants top-tier academics blended with a vibrant campus life and access to the diverse professional landscape of Los Angeles.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?
- University of California-Los Angeles is more selective: University of California-Berkeley's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and University of California-Los Angeles's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los Angeles?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at University of California-Berkeley and — at University of California-Los Angeles. 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.