University of California-Berkeley vs San Jose State University
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA, and San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, CA. University of California-Berkeley is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 85% at San Jose State University. University of California-Berkeley is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,481 a year against $13,760 at San Jose State University. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Berkeley, compared with 67% at San Jose State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $78,988 for San Jose State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Berkeley, CA
San Jose, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,068
27,601
Acceptance rate
11%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1530
1010–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
30–35
19–26
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,481
$13,760
Full cost / yr
$45,619
$26,593
In-state tuition
$16,347
$8,410
Out-of-state tuition
$50,547
$21,010
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,311
$9,730
$30k - $48k
$6,501
$10,114
$48k - $75k
$9,693
$12,099
$75k - $110k
$15,074
$15,102
Over $110k
$34,529
$22,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
67%
Freshman retention
97%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,919
$62,448
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,446
$78,988
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
35%
First-generation students
35%
49%
International students
10%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
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 University of California-Berkeley or San Jose State University harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 85% at San Jose 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 Jose State University?
- University of California-Berkeley is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,481 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,760 at San Jose State University. 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 Jose State University?
- Before aid, San Jose State University costs about $26,593 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 Jose State University?
- University of California-Berkeley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,311 there, against about $9,730 at San Jose 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 Jose State University?
- University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 27,601 at San Jose State University.
- Does University of California-Berkeley or San Jose State University have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 67% at San Jose State University.
- Do graduates of University of California-Berkeley or San Jose 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 $78,988 for San Jose State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Berkeley and San Jose 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 Jose State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Berkeley and San Jose State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley and 1010–1240 at San Jose 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 Jose State University vs University of California-Los AngelesSan Jose State University vs University of Southern CaliforniaSan Jose State University vs University of California-San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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