Head-to-Head Comparison
University of California-Berkeley vs Williams College
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 19
- Williams Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Berkeley offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Williams College achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,716 compared to University of California-Berkeley's $13,481. Students who choose University of California-Berkeley benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $92,446 at ten years.
49 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, 4% more than Williams College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $4,235 a year less
Williams
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,761, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 8% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California-Berkeley graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% of degrees); Williams in Social Sciences (24%). 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 Williams College. Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment vs $88,665.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Williams College. Net price $13,481 vs $17,716.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of California-Berkeley and Williams College are close on paper, but Williams College wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Williams College is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while University of California-Berkeley takes 11%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Williams College 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 $4,235 a year below Williams College's $17,716. Graduates of Williams College also borrow less: median debt of $12,761, against $13,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $16,940 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 $88,665 at Williams College. That is a 4% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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.
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 Engineering, while Williams College leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Berkeley's enrollment of 33,068 far exceeds Williams College's 2,076.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,716 runs well above University of California-Berkeley's $13,481.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Berkeley holds onto its admits more tightly: 46% of admitted students enroll, versus 42% at Williams — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Williams offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-Berkeley does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 3 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 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.
Williams College
Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.
Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.
When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.
Rankings They Appear On
Williams College is featured on the Best Liberal Arts Colleges ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California-Berkeley's top program is Computer Science (19% of enrollment), while Williams leads with Sociology (24%).
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 Williams).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of California-Berkeley is strongest in Engineering, while Williams College concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Williams College?
Williams College is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 11% at University of California-Berkeley.
Which is more affordable, University of California-Berkeley or Williams College?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $17,716 at Williams College.
Do University of California-Berkeley or Williams College graduates earn more?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,665 at Williams College.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of California-Berkeley or Williams College?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 93%.
Should you choose University of California-Berkeley or Williams College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Berkeley if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Williams College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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