UC Berkeley vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of California-Berkeley and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UC Berkeley vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor at a glance
UC Berkeley admits 11% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,538 at UC Berkeley and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Six-year graduation rates are 93.7% and 93.2%, 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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6%, so UC Berkeley is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,538 a year at UC Berkeley and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor costs $176 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $5,110 at UC Berkeley and $3,155 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- 93.7% of students graduate within six years at UC Berkeley, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $100,212 for UC Berkeley and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; UC Berkeley is $7,380 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,416 at UC Berkeley and $18,515 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- UC Berkeley enrolls 33,068 students (midsize city) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 34,177 (midsize city).
Side by side
UC Berkeley and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11% | 15.6% |
| Applicants | 112,843 | 79,743 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1360–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,538 | $14,362 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,198 | $18,346 |
| Tuition, out of state | $54,800 | $63,962 |
| Cost of attendance | $47,842 | $36,613 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $5,110 | $3,155 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $5,391 | $3,372 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $9,606 | $5,768 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,064 | $13,888 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,451 | $28,625 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 93.7% | 93.2% |
| First-year retention | 96.8% | 97.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $100,212 | $92,832 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,416 | $18,515 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $141 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 33,068 | 34,177 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Berkeley, CA | Ann Arbor, MI |
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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 89; 54 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Economics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Questions about UC Berkeley vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UC Berkeley or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UC Berkeley is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UC Berkeley admits 11% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 15.6%.
Which is cheaper, UC Berkeley or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the lower average net price after grants: $14,538 a year at UC Berkeley against $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $5,110 and $3,155. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UC Berkeley or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
UC Berkeley graduates earn more at the median: $100,212 ten years after entry for UC Berkeley and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,416 and $18,515.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UC Berkeley or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UC Berkeley does: 93.7% of UC Berkeley students graduate within six years, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
How big are UC Berkeley and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UC Berkeley has 33,068 students in Berkeley, CA and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has 34,177 students in Ann Arbor, MI.