Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
UC Berkeley
$259,904
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UC Berkeley = $168,184 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
UC Berkeley Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringEconomicsData ScienceBusinessUMN Top Majors
PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness
Need Help Choosing Between UC Berkeley & UMN?
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 UC Berkeley or UMN harder to get into?+
UC Berkeley is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.4% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UC Berkeley or UMN?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $259,904). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UC Berkeley offers an average of $22,930/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UC Berkeley and UMN?+
The average SAT score at UC Berkeley is 1440 and at UMN it is 1370. 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 UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UC Berkeley have a higher average starting salary ($79,300 vs $64,800). 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 UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UC Berkeley and UMN compare for campus life?+
UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California (urban setting) with a 1,232-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. UC Berkeley competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.