College Comparison
University of California-Berkeley vs University of Iowa
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Berkeley, CA
Iowa City, IA
Total Enrollment
45,882
30,779
Undergrad Enrollment
33,070
22,738
Student-Faculty Ratio
18:1
16:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.0%
83.6%
Average GPA
3.87
3.80
SAT Range
1350–1510
1130–1330
ACT Range
30–34
21–28
Test Policy
Not Required
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$40
Total Applicants
124,242
27,770
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$35,314
$21,631
Avg Net Price
$16,997
$20,121
Tuition (In-State)
$11,564
$8,711
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$41,636
$30,674
Room & Board
$23,750
$12,920
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
76.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$29,608
$9,865
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
74.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
56.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
90.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$92,446
$64,762
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Explore by Location
UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, CA
Iowa is in Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at California-Berkeley is $16,997 per year, compared to $20,121 at University of Iowa. California-Berkeley is $3,124 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at California-Berkeley typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At University of Iowa, the typical SAT range is 1130-1330. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
California-Berkeley has a graduation rate of 94%, while University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 74%. California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
California-Berkeley has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, while University of Iowa has a ratio of 16:1. University of Iowa offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At California-Berkeley, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $29,608. At University of Iowa, 76% of students receive aid with an average grant of $9,865.
The median earnings for California-Berkeley graduates 10 years after enrollment is $92,446, compared to $64,762 for University of Iowa graduates. Graduates from California-Berkeley tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
California-Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA in a city: midsize setting. University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA in a city: small setting.