Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and UC Berkeley

University of Colorado Boulder and University of California-Berkeley are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. CU Boulder is located in Boulder, CO and UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UC Berkeley has more expensive tuition & fees ($47,265) than CU Boulder ($42,970).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Berkeley than CU Boulder.
  • UC Berkeley has more students with 45,882 students while CU Boulder has 38,799 students.
  • UC Berkeley has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UC Berkeley has more full-time faculties with 1,971 faculties while CU Boulder has 1,616 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Colorado Bouldervs.University of California-Berkeley
Boulder, ColoradoLocationBerkeley, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,377
Out-Of-State$47,265
49%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$12,072Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,091
78.08 %Acceptance Rates10.98 %
14.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)45.99 %
1,340SAT Score-
31ACT Score-
74 %Graduation Rate93 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate97 %
38,799Student Population45,882
1,616Number of Faculties1,971
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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