Head-to-Head Comparison
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs University of California-Berkeley
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 11
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Berkeley offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,481 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, 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
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than University of California-Berkeley
California-Berkeley
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $29,032 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?
Rose-Hulman Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (73% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over University of California-Berkeley. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $92,446.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $13,481 vs $42,513.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 93% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and University of California-Berkeley are close on paper, but University of California-Berkeley wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%.
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 $29,032 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of University of California-Berkeley also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $116,128 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $92,446 at University of California-Berkeley. That is a 10% 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 10% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of California-Berkeley saves about $29,032 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $8,807 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, while University of California-Berkeley leans toward 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 $42,513 runs well above University of California-Berkeley's $13,481.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $13,000 at University of California-Berkeley.
- Engineering-focused students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Berkeley's enrollment of 33,068 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
Full Data Breakdown
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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and University of California-Berkeley appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online Bachelor's Programs, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology ranks #13 — Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology outranks University of California-Berkeley by 12 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Rose-Hulman Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (73% of enrollment), while California-Berkeley leads with Computer Science (19%).
Rose-Hulman Technology
California-Berkeley
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Berkeley).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while University of California-Berkeley concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $92,446 at University of California-Berkeley.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 80%.
Should you choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or University of California-Berkeley?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Berkeley if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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