University of California, Los Angeles vs University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Los Angeles vs University of California, Berkeley

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both UC Berkeley and UCLA are among the world's leading public universities, Berkeley ranking a bit higher in most lists. UC Berkeley remains preeminent in Engineering, Computer Science, and technology-focused research, and UCLA excels in Life Sciences, Medicine, Arts & Humanities, and Film & Media. Their international ranking positions reflect this trend: Berkeley tends to rank higher in engineering / technical disciplines; UCLA tends to perform well in interdisciplinary, arts, and health disciplines.

General Information

Berkeley has approximately 32,800 undergrads; UCLA's numbers are comparable (slightly lower or 32,000). Both have large graduate student bodies too, so their enrollments are much higher. Both have large campuses and excellent equipment; Berkeley's campus is near the San Francisco Bay, and UCLA's campus is in the heart of a dense urban area of Los Angeles. Both have more than 100 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The acceptance rate at UCLA is verified at 8-9%; UC Berkeley's at approximately 11-12%. Both institutions have highly selective admissions. Admitted freshmen tend to have highly strong academic profiles (high GPA, high test scores). Both institutions are test-optional / test-blind policies have been on a change, but academic ability, extracurricular activities, essays continue to be highly integral parts. Both yield (percentage of admitted who matriculate) is high, indicating their popularity.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both universities are among the highest-ranked "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity." Berkeley has always been a leader in pioneering research work in the field of engineering, environmental science, computer science, etc., and has facilities such as the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and huge research grants. UCLA, just as strong in medical research, life sciences, arts & humanities, film, etc., also has its own top-ranked research hospitals, research institutes. Their equipment is top-notch; Berkeley tends to edge slightly ahead in quantity of research output and in some technical / engineering fields.

Cost & Financial Aid

In-state vs out-of-state tuition is comparable between them; Berkeley and UCLA both charge relatively lower in-state tuition to California residents and significantly more to non-residents. Costs of living in both places (Los Angeles metro, San Francisco Bay Area) are high. Both schools offer aid to a large percentage of students, particularly residents. Berkeley will have a slightly greater percentage of students with aid, but the variations are modest. Net prices (tuition and fees after receiving aid) are quite varied based on residency, income, and need.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UCLA alumni average around $70,700 about ten years after attending, according to recent data for employed alumni. UC Berkeley alumni outcomes indicate excellent earnings growth over time; although precise overall median in most public reports is slightly less than some prior claims, Berkeley graduates in most areas (particularly engineering, computer science, etc.) tend to excel in earnings. Both institutions have extremely strong alumni networks, high persistence and very high six-year graduation rates (both around 93%), which indicates effective student support, academic reputation, and excellent employment outcomes.