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University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Davis

University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA. University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA. University of California-Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants and University of California-Davis about 42%, making University of California-Berkeley the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,481 a year at University of California-Berkeley after aid, and about $14,741 at University of California-Davis. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Berkeley, compared with 85% at University of California-Davis. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $80,838 for University of California-Davis.

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Berkeley, CA
Davis, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
33,068
32,253
Acceptance rate
11%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1530
1160–1400
ACT (middle 50%)
30–35
25–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,481
$14,741
Full cost / yr
$45,619
$41,238
In-state tuition
$16,347
$16,774
Out-of-state tuition
$50,547
$50,974
Application fee
$80
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,311
$9,211
$30k - $48k
$6,501
$9,966
$48k - $75k
$9,693
$11,951
$75k - $110k
$15,074
$16,294
Over $110k
$34,529
$31,272
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
85%
Freshman retention
97%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,919
$58,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,446
$80,838
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$13,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
31%
First-generation students
35%
41%
International students
10%
13%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Davis harder to get into?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 42% at University of California-Davis. 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 University of California-Davis?
University of California-Berkeley is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,481 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,741 at University of California-Davis. 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 University of California-Davis?
Before aid, University of California-Davis costs about $41,238 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 University of California-Davis?
University of California-Berkeley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,311 there, against about $9,211 at University of California-Davis. 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 University of California-Davis?
University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 32,253 at University of California-Davis.
Does University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Davis have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 85% at University of California-Davis.
Do graduates of University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Davis earn more?
University of California-Berkeley alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,446 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,838 for University of California-Davis. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-Berkeley and University of California-Davis require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-Berkeley is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of California-Davis is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do University of California-Berkeley and University of California-Davis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley and 1160–1400 at University of California-Davis. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school