Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Stanford University vs UC Berkeley

Stanford, CA · Berkeley, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Stanford UniversityUC Berkeley
Acceptance Rate3.9%11.7%
In-State Tuition$62,484$14,850
Out-of-State Tuition$62,484$45,627
Average Net Price$3,796$16,997
Graduation Rate93.0%93.0%

GradFax Analysis

Stanford University accepts 3.9% of applicants. UC Berkeley accepts 11.7%. Stanford University's tuition is $62,484. UC Berkeley's is $14,850. That's a $47,634 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Stanford University, 93% at UC Berkeley.

Bottom Line

UC Berkeley is public; Stanford University is private. If you're an in-state student, UC Berkeley will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Stanford University profileUC Berkeley profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Stanford University or UC Berkeley?

Stanford University. It accepts 3.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Stanford University or UC Berkeley more affordable?

UC Berkeley has lower published tuition: $14,850 versus $62,484. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Stanford University is at 93%; UC Berkeley is at 93%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Stanford University vs UC Berkeley: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax