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AdmissionsOS

University of California-Berkeley vs University of California-Los Angeles

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

University of California-Berkeley University of California-Los Angeles
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 11.0% 9.0%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $13,481 $12,548
Sticker cost of attendance $45,619 $38,614
Graduation rate 93% 93%
Retention rate 97% 97%
Undergraduates 33,068 33,475
Student-faculty ratio 18:1 20:1
Setting Berkeley, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $80 $80
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Common questions

Is University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Los Angeles harder to get into?

University of California-Los Angeles is more selective, with a 9.0% acceptance rate versus 11.0% at University of California-Berkeley. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, University of California-Berkeley or University of California-Los Angeles?

University of California-Los Angeles has the lower average net price ($12,548 versus $13,481). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.