Head-to-Head Comparison
Texas A&M University-College Station vs University of California-Berkeley
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
- Texas A&M Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 14
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Berkeley offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,481 vs Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315, 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.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas A&M
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Berkeley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $7,834 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?
Texas A&M graduates concentrate in Engineering (17% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $13,481 vs $21,315.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Texas A&M University-College Station. 93% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Texas A&M University-College Station 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 Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%.
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 $7,834 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of University of California-Berkeley also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $17,804.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,336 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Berkeley has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% 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 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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. Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, while University of California-Berkeley leans toward Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above University of California-Berkeley's $13,481.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,804, against $13,000 at University of California-Berkeley.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment, and University of California-Berkeley is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds University of California-Berkeley's 33,068.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Berkeley has less business program depth, and Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Berkeley holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 38% at Texas A&M — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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
Texas A&M University-College Station is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas A&M's top program is Mechanical Engineering (17% of enrollment), while California-Berkeley leads with Computer Science (19%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Berkeley).
The two schools feed different job markets. Texas A&M University-College Station is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while University of California-Berkeley concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. 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.
Texas A&M
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Texas A&M University-College Station or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 84%.
Should you choose Texas A&M University-College Station 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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