University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Irvine
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA, and University of California-Irvine is a public university in Irvine, CA. University of California-Berkeley is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 29% at University of California-Irvine. University of California-Berkeley is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,481 a year against $14,251 at University of California-Irvine. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Berkeley, compared with 86% at University of California-Irvine. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $80,735 for University of California-Irvine.
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At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Berkeley, CA
Irvine, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,068
30,197
Acceptance rate
11%
29%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.46–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1530
1230–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
30–35
26–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,481
$14,251
Full cost / yr
$45,619
$38,632
In-state tuition
$16,347
$15,722
Out-of-state tuition
$50,547
$49,922
Application fee
$80
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,311
$8,123
$30k - $48k
$6,501
$9,313
$48k - $75k
$9,693
$11,642
$75k - $110k
$15,074
$15,164
Over $110k
$34,529
$30,546
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
86%
Freshman retention
97%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,919
$56,210
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,446
$80,735
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
36%
First-generation students
35%
44%
International students
10%
12%
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 University of California-Irvine harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 29% at University of California-Irvine. 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-Irvine?
- University of California-Berkeley is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,481 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,251 at University of California-Irvine. 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-Irvine?
- Before aid, University of California-Irvine costs about $38,632 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-Irvine?
- University of California-Berkeley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,311 there, against about $8,123 at University of California-Irvine. 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-Irvine?
- University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 30,197 at University of California-Irvine.
- Does University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Irvine have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 86% at University of California-Irvine.
- Do graduates of University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Irvine earn more?
- University of California-Berkeley alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,446 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,735 for University of California-Irvine. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Berkeley and University of California-Irvine 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-Irvine 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-Irvine look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley and 1230–1430 at University of California-Irvine. 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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