Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-Berkeley vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 15
- Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wins
- 13
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $14,355, 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.
48 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, 14% more than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $874 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
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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); Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Engineering (21%). 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment vs $81,054.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Net price $13,481 vs $14,355.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 93% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-Berkeley and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign takes 42%.
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 $874 a year below University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $14,355. Graduates of University of California-Berkeley also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,496 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 $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Berkeley has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.24x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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 Social Sciences, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $13,000 at University of California-Berkeley.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Berkeley holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 29% at Illinois Urbana-Champaign — 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
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
More than 36,000 students choose the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 42%, the university maintains a competitive edge while welcoming a diverse student body. The graduation rate stands at an impressive 85%, indicating a supportive environment for student success.
Data from Opportunity Insights highlights that graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign can expect solid economic mobility. The average earnings for alumni ten years after graduation reach $81,054, suggesting that degrees from this university translate into significant financial benefits. While specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s emphasis on high-demand fields like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science supports upward mobility for many graduates.
Cost considerations are crucial for students. The net price for attending is approximately $14,355, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. Graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, a figure that aligns with the financial landscape of public universities. Students who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields or business, benefiting from robust programs and a collaborative campus culture.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Illinois ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California-Berkeley's top program is Computer Science (19% of enrollment), while Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with Mechanical Engineering (21%).
California-Berkeley
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Berkeley) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-Berkeley is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concentrates in 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of California-Berkeley or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 42% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which is more affordable, University of California-Berkeley or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Do University of California-Berkeley or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, versus $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-Berkeley or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 85%.
Should you choose University of California-Berkeley or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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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