University of California, Los Angeles vs. University of California, Berkeley
Side by side: median LSAT, median GPA, estimated tuition, and selectivity rank for two of the most compared law schools. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.
| Measure | University of California, Los Angeles | University of California, Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Selectivity rank | #13 | #18 |
| Median LSAT | 171 | 170 |
| Median GPA | 3.95 | 3.92 |
| Est. annual tuition | $71,329 nonresident / $59,084 in-state | $76,149 nonresident / $62,532 in-state |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $213,987 | $228,447 |
Pros and cons, from the data
University of California, Los Angeles
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than University of California, Berkeley
Cons
- Higher median LSAT (171 vs. 170) — harder to clear
- Higher median GPA (3.95 vs. 3.92)
University of California, Berkeley
Pros
- Lower median LSAT (170 vs. 171) — easier to be at or above
- Lower median GPA (3.92 vs. 3.95)
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than University of California, Los Angeles
Pros and cons are computed from the medians and sticker prices above, not from reviews. Scholarships can erase a sticker-price gap.
How to choose between them
Start with your numbers. If your LSAT sits at or above 171, University of California, Los Angeles is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 170 for University of California, Berkeley. Then weigh the cost gap: about $14,460 over three years at sticker, before scholarships. A school whose median you clear is also a school more likely to offer you merit aid, which can erase a sticker-price gap. Visit if you can. Talk to recent graduates doing the work you want to do. The medians get you a short list; the visit and the aid letter make the decision.
More comparisons
Open this pair in the comparison tool to swap in other schools. Or try another popular pair:
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What LSAT do you need for University of California, Los Angeles? · What LSAT do you need for University of California, Berkeley?
Last updated October 12, 2026