University of California-Berkeley vs San Francisco State University
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA, and San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, CA. University of California-Berkeley is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 96% at San Francisco State University. San Francisco State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,278 a year against $13,481 at University of California-Berkeley. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Berkeley, compared with 50% at San Francisco State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $68,077 for San Francisco State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Berkeley, CA
San Francisco, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,068
18,639
Acceptance rate
11%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1530
930–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
30–35
16–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,481
$12,278
Full cost / yr
$45,619
$26,488
In-state tuition
$16,347
$7,950
Out-of-state tuition
$50,547
$20,550
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,311
$9,341
$30k - $48k
$6,501
$9,867
$48k - $75k
$9,693
$11,825
$75k - $110k
$15,074
$14,556
Over $110k
$34,529
$22,523
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
50%
Freshman retention
97%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,919
$52,650
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,446
$68,077
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$15,371
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
42%
First-generation students
35%
48%
International students
10%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Apr 15
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 San Francisco State University harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 96% at San Francisco State University. 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 San Francisco State University?
- San Francisco State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,278 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 University of California-Berkeley and San Francisco State University?
- Before aid, San Francisco State University costs about $26,488 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, University of California-Berkeley or San Francisco State University?
- University of California-Berkeley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,311 there, against about $9,341 at San Francisco State University. 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 San Francisco State University?
- University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 18,639 at San Francisco State University.
- Does University of California-Berkeley or San Francisco State University have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 50% at San Francisco State University.
- Do graduates of University of California-Berkeley or San Francisco State University earn more?
- University of California-Berkeley alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,446 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,077 for San Francisco State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Berkeley and San Francisco State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Berkeley is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. San Francisco State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Berkeley and San Francisco State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley and 930–1130 at San Francisco State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University 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 DiegoSan Francisco State University vs University of California-Los AngelesSan Francisco State University vs University of Southern CaliforniaSan Francisco State University vs University of California-San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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