University of California-Berkeley vs Pomona College
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA, and Pomona College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pomona College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 11% at University of California-Berkeley. University of California-Berkeley is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,481 a year against $19,285 at Pomona College. About 93% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $77,779 for Pomona College.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Berkeley, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
33,068
1,666
Acceptance rate
11%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1530
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
30–35
33–35
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,481
$19,285
Full cost / yr
$45,619
$85,300
In-state tuition
$16,347
$65,420
Out-of-state tuition
$50,547
$65,420
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,311
$4,841
$30k - $48k
$6,501
$7,026
$48k - $75k
$9,693
$17,054
$75k - $110k
$15,074
$15,719
Over $110k
$34,529
$37,842
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
93%
Freshman retention
97%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,919
$60,850
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,446
$77,779
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$11,782
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
20%
First-generation students
35%
30%
International students
10%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 8
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jan 8
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 University of California-Berkeley or Pomona College harder to get into?
- Pomona College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 11% 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.
- Which is cheaper, University of California-Berkeley or Pomona College?
- University of California-Berkeley is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,481 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,285 at Pomona College. 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 University of California-Berkeley and Pomona College?
- Before aid, University of California-Berkeley costs about $45,619 a year and Pomona College about $85,300. 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, University of California-Berkeley or Pomona College?
- Pomona College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,841 there, against about $5,311 at University of California-Berkeley. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of California-Berkeley or Pomona College?
- University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 1,666 at Pomona College.
- Does University of California-Berkeley or Pomona College have a better graduation rate?
- Both graduate about 93% of their students.
- Do graduates of University of California-Berkeley or Pomona College earn more?
- University of California-Berkeley alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,446 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,779 for Pomona College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Berkeley and Pomona College require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Berkeley is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Pomona College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Berkeley and Pomona College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley and 1490–1560 at Pomona College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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