Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UC Berkeley
$259,904
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Rutgers = $139,136 | UC Berkeley = $168,184. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Rutgers Top Majors
BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyUC Berkeley Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringEconomicsData ScienceBusiness
Need Help Choosing Between Rutgers & UC Berkeley?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rutgers or UC Berkeley harder to get into?+
UC Berkeley is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.4% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers or UC Berkeley?+
At sticker price, Rutgers costs less over 4 years ($197,136 vs $259,904). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Rutgers offers an average of $14,500/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 Rutgers and UC Berkeley?+
The average SAT score at Rutgers is 1340 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 Rutgers or UC Berkeley graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UC Berkeley have a higher average starting salary ($79,300 vs $67,200). 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?+
Rutgers has a 16:1 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 Rutgers and UC Berkeley compare for campus life?+
Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 2,685-acre campus. UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, California (urban setting) with 1,232 acres. Rutgers competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UC Berkeley in NCAA D1.