California State University-Sacramento vs University of California-Berkeley
California State University-Sacramento is a public university in Sacramento, CA, and University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA. University of California-Berkeley is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 94% at California State University-Sacramento. California State University-Sacramento is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,338 a year against $13,481 at University of California-Berkeley. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Berkeley, compared with 56% at California State University-Sacramento. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $64,876 for California State University-Sacramento.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Sacramento, CA
Berkeley, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
28,350
33,068
Acceptance rate
94%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
1310–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
30–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,338
$13,481
Full cost / yr
$22,945
$45,619
In-state tuition
$8,018
$16,347
Out-of-state tuition
$20,618
$50,547
Application fee
$70
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,501
$5,311
$30k - $48k
$7,001
$6,501
$48k - $75k
$9,212
$9,693
$75k - $110k
$11,814
$15,074
Over $110k
$18,861
$34,529
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
93%
Freshman retention
82%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,074
$74,919
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,876
$92,446
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$13,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
29%
First-generation students
49%
35%
International students
2%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Dec 15
Nov 30
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California State University-Sacramento or University of California-Berkeley harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 94% at California State University-Sacramento. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California State University-Sacramento or University of California-Berkeley?
- California State University-Sacramento is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,338 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,481 at University of California-Berkeley. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Sacramento and University of California-Berkeley?
- Before aid, California State University-Sacramento costs about $22,945 a year and University of California-Berkeley about $45,619. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-Sacramento or University of California-Berkeley?
- University of California-Berkeley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,311 there, against about $6,501 at California State University-Sacramento. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-Sacramento or University of California-Berkeley?
- University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 28,350 at California State University-Sacramento.
- Does California State University-Sacramento or University of California-Berkeley have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 56% at California State University-Sacramento.
- Do graduates of California State University-Sacramento or University of California-Berkeley earn more?
- University of California-Berkeley alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,446 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,876 for California State University-Sacramento. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Sacramento and University of California-Berkeley require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Sacramento is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of California-Berkeley is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Sacramento and University of California-Berkeley look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at California State University-Sacramento and 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-Sacramento vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Sacramento vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Sacramento vs University of California-San DiegoUniversity of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Berkeley vs University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Berkeley vs University of California-San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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