Head-to-head · 2026
Stanford University vs University of California-Berkeley
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Stanford University, 2 for University of California-Berkeley — Stanford University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Stanford University | University of California-Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 22.47 ✓ | 17.14 |
| Avg net price | $13,807 | $13,481 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $124,080 ✓ | $92,446 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% ✓ | 11% |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 92.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $13,000 |
| Enrollment | 7,554 | 33,068 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1553 | — |
| Wins | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Stanford University costs $326 more per year than University of California-Berkeley ($13,807 vs $13,481). Stanford University graduates report $31,634 higher median earnings after ten years ($124,080 vs $92,446). On EduGradify's model that puts Stanford University ahead on projected ROI (22.47 vs 17.14, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Stanford University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Stanford University is highly competitive at 3.6% acceptance versus 11% (highly competitive) at University of California-Berkeley.
Frequently asked
Stanford University vs University of California-Berkeley, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Stanford University or University of California-Berkeley the better value?
Stanford University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (22.47 vs 17.14), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of California-Berkeley is cheaper — average net price $13,481 per year vs $13,807 at Stanford University. The annual difference of $326 adds up to about $1,304 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Stanford University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $124,080 vs $92,446 at University of California-Berkeley. The annual gap in the federal data is $31,634.
Which school is harder to get into?
Stanford University is more selective at 3.6% acceptance vs 11% at University of California-Berkeley.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Stanford University reports a A+ value grade; University of California-Berkeley reports A+.