Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-Berkeley vs University of Connecticut
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 19
- Connecticut Wins
- 6
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Berkeley offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,481 vs University of Connecticut's $25,097, 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California-Berkeley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than University of Connecticut
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $11,616 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
Connecticut
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-Berkeley graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% of degrees); Connecticut in Social Sciences (13%). 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 University of Connecticut. Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment vs $73,997.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over University of Connecticut. Net price $13,481 vs $25,097.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over University of Connecticut. 93% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-Berkeley and University of Connecticut 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 University of Connecticut takes 52%.
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 $11,616 a year below University of Connecticut's $25,097. Graduates of University of California-Berkeley also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $46,464 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 $73,997 at University of Connecticut. That is a 25% 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 25% 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. University of California-Berkeley concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while University of Connecticut leans toward Health Professions, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Berkeley's enrollment of 33,068 far exceeds University of Connecticut's 19,835.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,097 runs well above University of California-Berkeley's $13,481.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $13,000 at University of California-Berkeley.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Connecticut's enrollment, and University of California-Berkeley is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Berkeley holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Connecticut — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Connecticut offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-Berkeley does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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 Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
More than 19,800 students call the University of Connecticut home, making it one of the largest public universities in New England. With an acceptance rate of 52%, it balances accessibility and selectivity, welcoming a diverse range of students to its Storrs campus.
Graduates from UConn see a strong return on investment, with a median earnings figure of $73,997 ten years after graduation. Although specific mobility rates are not available, the high graduation rate of 84% suggests that the majority of students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of positive outcomes for those who enroll.
Attending UConn costs an average net price of $25,097, while 25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to helping lower-income students access higher education. With a median debt of $21,500, graduates leave with manageable financial burdens. Students thrive in programs like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Engineering, where strong career paths are prevalent.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Connecticut is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California-Berkeley's top program is Computer Science (19% of enrollment), while Connecticut leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Berkeley) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Connecticut).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-Berkeley is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Connecticut concentrates in Health Professions, Business & Marketing. 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.
California-Berkeley
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of California-Berkeley or University of Connecticut?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 52% at University of Connecticut.
Which is more affordable, University of California-Berkeley or University of Connecticut?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $25,097 at University of Connecticut.
Do University of California-Berkeley or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-Berkeley or University of Connecticut?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 84%.
Should you choose University of California-Berkeley or University of Connecticut?
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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