Head-to-Head Comparison
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia vs University of California-Berkeley
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 12
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Berkeley offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,481 vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689, University of California-Berkeley delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Berkeley's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
42 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Saint Joseph's
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Berkeley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $16,208 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $13,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Saint Joseph's graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (39% of degrees); California-Berkeley in Computer Science & IT (19%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment vs $86,881.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Net price $13,481 vs $29,689.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. 93% completion rate vs 79%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia and University of California-Berkeley are close on paper, but University of California-Berkeley wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-Berkeley is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Berkeley sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of California-Berkeley comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,481, about $16,208 a year below Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689. Graduates of University of California-Berkeley also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $64,832 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Berkeley leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Berkeley graduates report median earnings of $92,446, compared with $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Berkeley has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of California-Berkeley graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 79%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Berkeley to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, while University of California-Berkeley leans toward Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $29,689 runs well above University of California-Berkeley's $13,481.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $13,000 at University of California-Berkeley.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's enrollment, and University of California-Berkeley is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Berkeley has less business program depth, and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Berkeley's enrollment of 33,068 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 2 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
The University of California-Berkeley has a remarkable graduation rate of 93%. This high rate indicates strong student support and a commitment to student success. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, selectivity is high, making it a competitive choice for prospective students.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC Berkeley is a strong performer in economic mobility. While specific mobility rates are not provided, the school is known for propelling graduates into high-earning careers. The median earnings for graduates after ten years is an impressive $92,446, suggesting substantial return on investment for students.
The net price of attendance is around $13,481, and the median debt for graduates is $13,000. This manageable debt level, combined with high earning potential, makes UC Berkeley an attractive option for students. Those who thrive here typically have strong academic backgrounds, are motivated, and are seeking opportunities in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Rankings They Appear On
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Saint Joseph's's top program is Business Administration (39% of enrollment), while California-Berkeley leads with Computer Science (19%).
California-Berkeley
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Berkeley).
The two schools feed different job markets. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, while University of California-Berkeley concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences, Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Saint Joseph's
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $29,689 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Do Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 79%.
Should you choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of California-Berkeley?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Berkeley if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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