When considering higher education options, students often compare various factors and offerings of universities. This comparison examines two reputable institutions: UC Berkeley and Cornell University. These schools are known for their academic excellence, but which one is the best choice for you? We will explore each institution’s overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
UC Berkeley Overview
UC Berkeley, founded in 1868, is a public research university located in Berkeley, California. As part of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is a flagship university with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. Known for its prestigious faculty and diverse student body, the university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
UC Berkeley Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates at UC Berkeley are $14,312, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $44,066. This does not include the cost of housing, books, and other living expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and approximately 64% of undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.
UC Berkeley Admissions
Admission to UC Berkeley is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 17.5%. The university evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1330-1530, while the middle 50% range for ACT scores is 29-35.
UC Berkeley Degrees Offered
UC Berkeley offers over 170 undergraduate majors and more than 100 graduate programs across various fields. Some popular undergraduate majors include Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, and Economics. Graduate programs cover a wide range of disciplines, such as Engineering, Public Health, Law, and Business.
UC Berkeley Academics
UC Berkeley boasts a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, with around 61% of classes containing fewer than 30 students. The university is well-known for its strong emphasis on research, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus. Students have ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects alongside renowned faculty members.
UC Berkeley Diversity
UC Berkeley is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Approximately 39% of undergraduate students identify as Asian, 24% as White, 15% as Hispanic, and 4% as Black. About 56% of the student population is female.
UC Berkeley Students
UC Berkeley has a vibrant student life, with over 1,000 student clubs and organizations catering to various interests. The university also has a strong athletic program, with the California Golden Bears competing in the NCAA Division I.
UC Berkeley Campus
The UC Berkeley campus spans 1,232 acres, featuring stunning architecture and beautiful landscapes. The campus is home to various libraries, research facilities, and recreational spaces for students to utilize. Notable landmarks include Sather Tower (also known as the Campanile), the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, and the Greek Theatre.
UC Berkeley Alumni
UC Berkeley has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker.
UC Berkeley Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, UC Berkeley ranks 22nd in National Universities, 2nd in Top Public Schools, and 4th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
UC Berkeley Outcomes
UC Berkeley has a strong track record of producing successful graduates, with a six-year graduation rate of 93%. The average starting salary for graduates is around $65,000, and top employers include Google, Apple, and Amazon.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. With a focus on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Cornell offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Cornell University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at Cornell are approximately $61,015. This does not include the cost of housing, books, and other living expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and approximately 50% of undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.
Cornell University Admissions
Admission to Cornell is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 12.3%. The university evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1450-1560, while the middle 50% range for ACT scores is 33-35.
Cornell University Degrees Offered
Cornell offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and over 100 graduate and professional degree programs across various fields. Some popular undergraduate majors include Engineering, Business, Biology, and Hotel Administration. Graduate programs cover a wide range of disciplines, such as Engineering, Business, Law, and Medicine.
Cornell University Academics
Cornell has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, with around 78% of classes containing fewer than 30 students. The university is well-known for its strong emphasis on research, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus. Students have ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects alongside renowned faculty members.
Cornell University Diversity
Cornell is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. Approximately 45% of undergraduate students identify as White, 20% as Asian, 12% as Hispanic, and 7% as Black. About 53% of the student population is female.
Cornell University Students
Cornell has a vibrant student life, with over 1,000 student clubs and organizations catering to various interests. The university also has a strong athletic program, with the Cornell Big Red competing in the NCAA Division I.
Cornell University Campus
Cornell’s campus spans 2,300 acres, featuring stunning architecture and beautiful landscapes. The campus is home to various libraries, research facilities, and recreational spaces for students to utilize. Notable landmarks include McGraw Tower, Cornell Plantations, and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art.
Cornell University Alumni
Cornell has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, author Toni Morrison, and scientist Carl Sagan.
Cornell University Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, Cornell ranks 18th in National Universities, 6th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, and 10th in Best Business Programs.
Cornell University Outcomes
Cornell has a strong track record of producing successful graduates, with a six-year graduation rate of 95%. The average starting salary for graduates is around $71,000, and top employers include Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and Google.
UC Berkeley vs Cornell University Cost Comparison
When considering cost, UC Berkeley offers a more affordable option for in-state students. The estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates at UC Berkeley are $14,312, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $44,066. In comparison, undergraduate tuition and fees at Cornell are approximately $61,015. Financial aid is available at both institutions, with UC Berkeley providing assistance to around 64% of its undergraduates and Cornell to about 50%.
UC Berkeley vs Cornell University Admissions Difficulty
Both UC Berkeley and Cornell University have highly competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 17.5% and 12.3%, respectively. In terms of standardized test scores, Cornell has slightly higher middle 50% ranges, with SAT scores between 1450-1560 and ACT scores between 33-35. UC Berkeley’s middle 50% ranges for SAT scores are 1330-1530, and for ACT scores, 29-35.
UC Berkeley vs Cornell University Academic Difficulty
Both institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and research opportunities, making it difficult to determine which one is more challenging. UC Berkeley and Cornell both have low student-faculty ratios—20:1 and 9:1, respectively—and offer numerous research centers and institutes on campus. Ultimately, the academic difficulty may vary depending on the specific major or program chosen.
UC Berkeley vs Cornell University Outcome Comparison
Both UC Berkeley and Cornell University have high six-year graduation rates, at 93% and 95%, respectively. However, Cornell graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary of around $71,000, compared to UC Berkeley’s $65,000. Top employers for graduates from both institutions include Google, Amazon, and other prestigious companies.
