Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UC Berkeley vs Stanford University

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

UC BerkeleyStanford University
Acceptance Rate11.7%3.9%
In-State Tuition$14,850$62,484
Out-of-State Tuition$45,627$62,484
Average Net Price$16,997$3,796
Graduation Rate93.0%93.0%

GradFax Analysis

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

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 →UC Berkeley profileStanford University profile

Common Questions

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

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

Source: IPEDS

Is UC Berkeley or Stanford University 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. UC Berkeley is at 93%; Stanford University 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.

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