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College comparison
UC Berkeley vs UVA
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 |  UVA Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Berkeley is more selective | 11% | 17% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1410–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 33,068 | 17,597 |
| Avg net price | $13,481 | $21,565 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)UC Berkeley reports higher median earnings | $92,446 | $86,863 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 96% |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 4.9% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
UC Berkeley vs UVA: how they compare
Both Berkeley and UVA are elite public universities, but they differ in value proposition, student experience, and institutional profile.
By the numbers Berkeley presents a stronger quantitative value case. Its average net price is $13k versus UVA's $22k, and it delivers a higher 10-year median earnings ($92k vs. $87k), resulting in a superior earnings-per-dollar value multiplier (6.9× vs. 4.0×). Berkeley also shows a higher economic-mobility rate (489%) and a stronger future-scholar yield (6.2). UVA counters with slightly higher graduation rates (96% vs. 93%) and lower admit-rate volatility (42% vs. 56%). Berkeley is more selective (11% acceptance vs. 17%).
Where they overlap Both are premier public institutions with strong national reputations that can lead to positive career and graduate school outcomes. They attract high-achieving, academically driven students.
How they differ The cultures and settings are distinct. Berkeley is a politically active campus in an urban California environment, known for its competitive academic atmosphere, particularly in STEM and pre-professional fields. Student comments note older facilities, crowded housing, and expensive off-campus living. UVA offers a more traditional collegiate experience in a suburban setting, often characterized as having an emphasis on school spirit, social life, and a cohesive campus community.
Who each suits Berkeley suits a resilient, independent student who thrives in a fast-paced, competitive environment and seeks strong STEM opportunities and economic mobility. UVA is a better fit for a student who prefers a more balanced, traditional college experience with a social and pre-professional network, set within a classic campus environment.
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 Virginia-Main Campus harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is more selective: University of California-Berkeley's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and University of Virginia-Main Campus's is approximately 17% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of California-Berkeley vs University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at University of California-Berkeley and 1410–1540 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. 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.