UC Berkeley vs Columbia University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of California-Berkeley and Columbia University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UC Berkeley vs Columbia University at a glance
UC Berkeley admits 11% of applicants and Columbia University 4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,538 at UC Berkeley and $15,370 at Columbia University. Six-year graduation rates are 93.7% and 95.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UC Berkeley admits 11% of applicants and Columbia University 4%, so Columbia University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,538 a year at UC Berkeley and $15,370 at Columbia University; UC Berkeley costs $832 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,110 at UC Berkeley and $2,275 at Columbia University.
- 93.7% of students graduate within six years at UC Berkeley, against 95.2% at Columbia University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $100,212 for UC Berkeley and $109,430 for Columbia University; Columbia University is $9,218 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,416 at UC Berkeley and $20,500 at Columbia University.
- UC Berkeley enrolls 33,068 students (midsize city) and Columbia University 8,973 (large city).
- UC Berkeley is a public college and Columbia University is a private nonprofit college.
Side by side
UC Berkeley and Columbia University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UC Berkeley | Columbia University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11% | 4% |
| Applicants | 112,843 | 61,110 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,538 | $15,370 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,198 | $74,180 |
| Tuition, out of state | $54,800 | $74,180 |
| Cost of attendance | $47,842 | $92,198 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,110 | $2,275 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $5,391 | $4,020 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,606 | $4,878 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,064 | $8,881 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,451 | $40,931 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 93.7% | 95.2% |
| First-year retention | 96.8% | 98% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $100,212 | $109,430 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,416 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $141 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 33,068 | 8,973 |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Berkeley, CA | New York, NY |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UC Berkeley reports 80 bachelor's programs and Columbia University 69; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UC Berkeley vs Columbia University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UC Berkeley or Columbia University?
Columbia University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UC Berkeley admits 11% of applicants and Columbia University admits 4%.
Which is cheaper, UC Berkeley or Columbia University?
UC Berkeley has the lower average net price after grants: $14,538 a year at UC Berkeley against $15,370 at Columbia University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,110 and $2,275. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UC Berkeley or Columbia University graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more at the median: $100,212 ten years after entry for UC Berkeley and $109,430 for Columbia University. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,416 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UC Berkeley or Columbia University?
Columbia University does: 93.7% of UC Berkeley students graduate within six years, against 95.2% at Columbia University.
How big are UC Berkeley and Columbia University?
UC Berkeley has 33,068 students in Berkeley, CA and Columbia University has 8,973 students in New York, NY.