University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Riverside
University of California-Berkeley is a public university in Berkeley, CA, and University of California-Riverside is a public university in Riverside, CA. University of California-Berkeley is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 76% at University of California-Riverside. University of California-Berkeley is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,481 a year against $14,304 at University of California-Riverside. About 93% of students graduate at University of California-Berkeley, compared with 76% at University of California-Riverside. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Berkeley alumni earn a median of about $92,446, against $67,699 for University of California-Riverside.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Berkeley, CA
Riverside, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
33,068
22,593
Acceptance rate
11%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1530
1080–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
30–35
22–31
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,481
$14,304
Full cost / yr
$45,619
$38,942
In-state tuition
$16,347
$15,606
Out-of-state tuition
$50,547
$49,806
Application fee
$80
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$5,311
$8,852
$30k - $48k
$6,501
$9,840
$48k - $75k
$9,693
$13,111
$75k - $110k
$15,074
$16,571
Over $110k
$34,529
$30,393
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
76%
Freshman retention
97%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,919
$48,593
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,446
$67,699
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
47%
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
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-Riverside harder to get into?
- University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 76% at University of California-Riverside. 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-Riverside?
- University of California-Berkeley is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,481 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,304 at University of California-Riverside. 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-Riverside?
- Before aid, University of California-Riverside costs about $38,942 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-Riverside?
- University of California-Berkeley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,311 there, against about $8,852 at University of California-Riverside. 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-Riverside?
- University of California-Berkeley is the larger of the two, with about 33,068 undergraduates against 22,593 at University of California-Riverside.
- Does University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Riverside have a better graduation rate?
- University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 76% at University of California-Riverside.
- Do graduates of University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Riverside earn more?
- University of California-Berkeley alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,446 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,699 for University of California-Riverside. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Berkeley and University of California-Riverside 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-Riverside 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-Riverside look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1530 at University of California-Berkeley and 1080–1280 at University of California-Riverside. 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 DiegoUniversity of California-Riverside vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Riverside vs University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Riverside vs University of California-San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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