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Georgia Tech vs UC Berkeley

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
11.4% UC Berkeley acceptance
$74,160 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Public
Founded
1868
Enrollment
45,307
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $11,092
Georgia Tech
$33,794
UC Berkeley
$44,886
Acceptance Rate UC Berkeley more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
UC Berkeley
11.4%
Graduation Rate UC Berkeley higher
Georgia Tech
90%
UC Berkeley
93%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
UC Berkeley
1440
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
UC Berkeley
$79,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech UC Berkeley Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$44,886Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$14,312Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$20,090Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%11.4%UC Berkeley
Graduation Rate90%93%UC Berkeley
Average SAT14501440Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:120:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28545,307-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$22,930UC Berkeley
Starting Salary$83,600$79,300Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$7.3BUC Berkeley
Campus Size400 acres1,232 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UC Berkeley
$259,904
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | UC Berkeley = $168,184. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

UC Berkeley Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringEconomicsData ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
UC BerkeleyUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
UC Berkeley1,232 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
UC BerkeleyNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
UC BerkeleyWest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
UC Berkeley1868
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
UC Berkeley45,307

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or UC Berkeley harder to get into?+
UC Berkeley is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.4% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or UC Berkeley?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $259,904). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while UC Berkeley offers $22,930/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at UC Berkeley it is 1440. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or UC Berkeley graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $79,300). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UC Berkeley has 20:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, California (urban setting) with 1,232 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UC Berkeley in NCAA D1.