Head-to-head · 2026
University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los Angeles
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for University of California-Berkeley, 2 for University of California-Los Angeles — University of California-Berkeley 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 | University of California-Berkeley | University of California-Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.14 ✓ | 16.44 |
| Avg net price | $13,481 | $12,548 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $92,446 ✓ | $82,511 |
| Acceptance rate | 11% | 9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 92.8% ✓ | 92.6% |
| Median debt | $13,000 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Enrollment | 33,068 | 33,475 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of California-Berkeley costs $933 more per year than University of California-Los Angeles ($13,481 vs $12,548). University of California-Berkeley graduates report $9,935 higher median earnings after ten years ($92,446 vs $82,511). On EduGradify's model that puts University of California-Berkeley ahead on projected ROI (17.14 vs 16.44, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of California-Berkeley) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of California-Berkeley is highly competitive at 11% acceptance versus 9% (highly competitive) at University of California-Los Angeles.
Frequently asked
University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los Angeles, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Los Angeles the better value?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.14 vs 16.44), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of California-Los Angeles is cheaper — average net price $12,548 per year vs $13,481 at University of California-Berkeley. The annual difference of $933 adds up to about $3,732 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of California-Berkeley reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $92,446 vs $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,935.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of California-Los Angeles is more selective at 9% 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. University of California-Berkeley reports a A+ value grade; University of California-Los Angeles reports A+.