College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of California-Berkeley
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Berkeley, CA
Total Enrollment
50,737
45,882
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
33,070
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
11.0%
Average GPA
3.87
3.87
SAT Range
1240–1420
1350–1510
ACT Range
27–32
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Not Required
Application Fee
$65
$80
Total Applicants
88,478
124,242
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$35,314
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$16,997
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$11,564
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$41,636
Room & Board
$15,044
$23,750
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$29,608
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$92,446
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Penn State is in University Park, PA
UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $16,997 at California-Berkeley. California-Berkeley is $10,453 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At California-Berkeley, the typical SAT range is 1350-1510. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while California-Berkeley has a graduation rate of 94%. California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while California-Berkeley has a ratio of 18:1. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At California-Berkeley, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $29,608.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $92,446 for California-Berkeley graduates. Graduates from California-Berkeley tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. California-Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA in a city: midsize setting.