UC Riverside vs Berkeley
Nestled in the heart of California, University of California-Riverside (UCR) and University of California-Berkeley (UCB) stand as two distinct academic powerhouses, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share the UC system's commitment to excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UCR boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. UCB, on the other hand, attracts a more diverse student body, with a higher percentage of international and out-of-state students. In terms of academics, UCR offers a wider range of undergraduate majors, including specialized programs in engineering, business, and the arts. UCB, known for its strong research focus, excels in fields like computer science, engineering, and social sciences. As you explore the detailed comparison table below, you'll discover further insights into these universities' acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, helping you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
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![]() University of California-Berkeley |
![]() University of California-Riverside |
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Overview |
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Location | Berkeley, California | Riverside, California |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Quarter |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 96.0% | 88.0% |
![]() |
No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 14.4% | 65.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$120
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Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$120
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SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 112,843 | 52,672 |
Total number of admissions given out | 16,295 | 34,437 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 6,931 | 5,203 |
Yield rate | 42.5% | 15.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$37,920
Out of state:
$67,674
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In state:
$32,312
Out of state:
$62,066
|
Average net price | $17,652 | $13,502 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,442
Out of state:
$41,196
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In state:
$11,442
Out of state:
$41,196
|
Room & board | $20,236 | $16,600 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
52.0%
Average amount $21,406 |
78.0%
Average amount $18,676 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
15.0%
Average amount $4,586 |
28.0%
Average amount $4,703 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $7,122 |
2.0%
Average amount $8,151 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
31,814
Men 45.4% Women 54.6% |
22,868
Men 47.0% Women 53.0% |
Graduate students |
13,222
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
3,979
Men 53.8% Women 46.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 16.9% | 0.8% |
International students | 18.0% | 8.1% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 9,630 | 8,597 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York | California Nevada Florida Arizona New Mexico |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 20:1 | 24:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 92.8% | 76.5% |
Dropout rate | 6.3% | 6.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 16.4% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Compare Similar Colleges
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