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UC Berkeley vs University of Pittsburgh

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

11.4% UC Berkeley acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$56,056 Pitt 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
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $7,554
UC Berkeley
$44,886
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate UC Berkeley more selective
UC Berkeley
11.4%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate UC Berkeley higher
UC Berkeley
93%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score UC Berkeley higher
UC Berkeley
1440
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary UC Berkeley higher
UC Berkeley
$79,300
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric UC Berkeley Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$44,886$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$14,312$21,080UC Berkeley
Room & Board$20,090$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate11.4%42.0%UC Berkeley
Graduation Rate93%83%UC Berkeley
Average SAT14401370UC Berkeley
Student-Faculty Ratio20:114:1Pitt
Enrollment45,30734,163-
Avg Financial Aid$22,930$15,600UC Berkeley
Starting Salary$79,300$64,600UC Berkeley
Endowment$7.3B$5.6BUC Berkeley
Campus Size1,232 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UC Berkeley
$259,904
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UC Berkeley = $168,184 | Pitt = $141,448. 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

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UC BerkeleyUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
UC Berkeley1,232 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
UC BerkeleyNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
UC BerkeleyWest
PittNortheast
Founded
UC Berkeley1868
Pitt1787
Enrollment
UC Berkeley45,307
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UC Berkeley or Pitt harder to get into?+
UC Berkeley is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.4% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UC Berkeley or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $259,904). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UC Berkeley offers an average of $22,930/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UC Berkeley and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at UC Berkeley is 1440 and at Pitt 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 Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UC Berkeley have a higher average starting salary ($79,300 vs $64,600). 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 Pitt has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UC Berkeley and Pitt compare for campus life?+
UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California (urban setting) with a 1,232-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. UC Berkeley competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.