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UC Berkeley vs University of Georgia

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

11.4% UC Berkeley acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$87,064 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UC Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Public
Founded
1868
Enrollment
45,307
Setting
Urban
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $13,766
UC Berkeley
$44,886
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UC Berkeley more selective
UC Berkeley
11.4%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UC Berkeley higher
UC Berkeley
93%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score UC Berkeley higher
UC Berkeley
1440
UGA
1340
Starting Salary UC Berkeley higher
UC Berkeley
$79,300
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric UC Berkeley UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$44,886$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$14,312$12,080UGA
Room & Board$20,090$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate11.4%39.0%UC Berkeley
Graduation Rate93%88%UC Berkeley
Average SAT14401340UC Berkeley
Student-Faculty Ratio20:117:1UGA
Enrollment45,30741,652-
Avg Financial Aid$22,930$12,980UC Berkeley
Starting Salary$79,300$58,700UC Berkeley
Endowment$7.3B$2.0BUC Berkeley
Campus Size1,232 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UC Berkeley
$259,904
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UC Berkeley = $168,184 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UC Berkeley Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringEconomicsData ScienceBusiness

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UC BerkeleyUrban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
UC Berkeley1,232 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
UC BerkeleyNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
UC BerkeleyWest
UGASouth
Founded
UC Berkeley1868
UGA1785
Enrollment
UC Berkeley45,307
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UC Berkeley or UGA harder to get into?+
UC Berkeley is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.4% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UC Berkeley or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $259,904). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UC Berkeley offers an average of $22,930/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UC Berkeley and UGA?+
The average SAT score at UC Berkeley is 1440 and at UGA it is 1340. 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 UC Berkeley or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UC Berkeley have a higher average starting salary ($79,300 vs $58,700). 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?+
UC Berkeley has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UC Berkeley and UGA compare for campus life?+
UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California (urban setting) with a 1,232-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. UC Berkeley competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.