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College comparison
UC Berkeley vs UCLA
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA |  UCLA Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Los Angeles is more selective | 11% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 33,068 | 33,475 |
| Avg net price | $13,481 | $12,548 |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | Berkeley, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
UC Berkeley vs UCLA: how they compare
Two elite public universities with distinct personalities: Berkeley’s intellectual intensity vs. UCLA’s sunnier balance.
Where they overlap Both are top-tier public universities with rigorous academics, global reputations, and strong research output. Each offers vast opportunities in STEM, humanities, and professional fields, alongside active student bodies with hundreds of clubs. Neither has a dominant Greek life scene, with UCLA’s housing being more centralized compared to Berkeley’s urban integration.
How they differ
- *Culture*: Berkeley leans cerebral, activist, and tech-oriented, with a grittier urban campus near Silicon Valley. UCLA blends top academics with a more traditional college vibe—polished, social, and nestled in affluent Westwood with LA’s entertainment/arts industries nearby.
- *Campus*: Berkeley’s historic, city-integrated setting contrasts with UCLA’s suburban-feeling, manicured grounds and famously sunny weather.
- *Academics*: Berkeley excels in STEM and economics, while UCLA offers broader exploration, with strengths in film, life sciences, and psychology.
Who each suits
- *Berkeley*: Independent, intellectually curious students who thrive in fast-paced, debate-heavy environments and prioritize academic prestige, especially for tech or startup aspirations.
- *UCLA*: Those seeking a vibrant, well-rounded experience—strong academics paired with D1 sports, arts, and access to LA’s internships—plus a more cohesive campus community.
*Note: Both are highly selective; fit matters more than rank.*
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?
- University of California-Los Angeles is more selective: University of California-Berkeley's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and University of California-Los Angeles's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los Angeles?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at University of California-Berkeley and — at University of California-Los Angeles. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.