Rose-Hulman vs Berkeley

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and University of California-Berkeley stand as two distinct beacons of higher education, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence and vibrant campus life. Rose-Hulman, a private institution nestled in Terre Haute, Indiana, prides itself on its rigorous STEM curriculum and intimate learning environment, while UC Berkeley, a public research university located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, boasts a diverse student body and world-renowned faculty. With acceptance rates of 23% and 17%, respectively, both institutions are highly selective, attracting top students from across the nation. While Rose-Hulman's student body is predominantly male and focused on engineering and science majors, UC Berkeley's coeducational student body pursues a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and business. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two esteemed institutions and discover which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology	University of California-Berkeley
Overview
Location	Terre Haute, Indiana	Berkeley, California
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	77.4%	14.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120
SAT range	1270 - 1480	N/A
ACT range	28 - 33	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	46.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%
Total number of applicants	4,536	112,843
Total number of admissions given out	3,511	16,295
Admitted students who chose to enroll	643	6,931
Yield rate	18.3%	42.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$72,651	In state: $37,920 Out of state: $67,674
Average net price	$39,294	$17,652
Tuition	$49,479	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,726 Meal plan: $6,435	$20,236
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $32,370	52.0% Average amount $21,406
Students receiving federal student loan	53.0% Average amount $5,366	15.0% Average amount $4,586
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $22,247	6.0% Average amount $7,122

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,081 Men 75.3% Women 24.7%	31,814 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Graduate students	20 Men 90.0% Women 10.0%	13,222 Men 51.7% Women 48.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	70.9%	16.9%
International students	9.5%	18.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,299	9,630
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois California Ohio Texas	California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics Physical Science	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	86.7%	92.8%
Dropout rate	12.5%	6.3%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,382 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $131,382 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,155 Year 2: $90,049 Year 3: $97,902 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $86,525 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,749 Year 2: $79,473 Year 3: $84,659 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,316 Year 2: $72,600 Year 3: $78,494 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,908 Year 2: $74,341 Year 3: $78,296 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,537 Year 2: $68,331 Year 3: $77,331 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,466 Year 2: $67,273 Year 3: $71,228 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: N/A	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $171,936 Year 3: $191,597 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $167,052 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $125,250 Year 2: $125,388 Year 3: $161,399 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $126,367 Year 2: $128,868 Year 3: $160,666 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,390 Year 2: $142,470 Year 3: $143,984 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $119,358 Year 3: $143,516 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,442 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $112,973 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $74,750 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $104,601 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,600 Year 2: $85,760 Year 3: $103,738 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,282 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $102,543

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and UC Berkeley?

Rose-Hulman is a highly specialized STEM-focused institution, renowned for its engineering, computer science, and mathematics programs. UC Berkeley, on the other hand, offers a much broader range of academic disciplines, excelling in STEM fields but also boasting strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Berkeley provides a more comprehensive academic experience.
How does the size and campus environment differ between Rose-Hulman and UC Berkeley?

Rose-Hulman has a significantly smaller student body and a more intimate campus environment, fostering close relationships between students and faculty. UC Berkeley is a large public university with a vast student population, offering a more diverse and bustling campus experience. You'll find a wider array of student organizations and activities at Berkeley.
What are the typical class sizes at Rose-Hulman and UC Berkeley?

Rose-Hulman is known for its small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from professors and a collaborative learning environment. UC Berkeley, especially in introductory courses, can have larger class sizes, though upper-division courses often have smaller enrollments. You can expect more individualized instruction at Rose-Hulman.
How do the research opportunities compare at these two universities?

UC Berkeley is a world-renowned research institution with extensive research opportunities across all disciplines, including cutting-edge labs and significant funding. Rose-Hulman also offers research opportunities, particularly in STEM fields, but the scope and scale are generally smaller compared to Berkeley. Berkeley provides a greater breadth of research areas.
What is the cost of attendance like at Rose-Hulman and UC Berkeley?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, can vary. Generally, Rose-Hulman's tuition is comparable to or slightly higher than UC Berkeley's for in-state students. However, UC Berkeley offers lower tuition for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition at UC Berkeley is significantly higher. Financial aid and scholarships are available at both institutions to help offset costs.
How does the career placement and industry connections differ?

Both universities have strong career services. Rose-Hulman, with its focused STEM curriculum, often has strong industry connections and a high rate of job placement in engineering and related fields. UC Berkeley's vast alumni network and reputation attract recruiters from a wide range of industries, providing diverse career opportunities. Berkeley's location in the Bay Area also provides access to numerous tech companies and startups.
What is the student life like at Rose-Hulman and UC Berkeley?

Rose-Hulman offers a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on campus activities and a supportive environment. UC Berkeley provides a vibrant and diverse student life, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and social events. Berkeley's location in the Bay Area also offers access to a rich cultural and social scene.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of Rose-Hulman and UC Berkeley?

Both universities are highly selective. UC Berkeley generally has a lower acceptance rate than Rose-Hulman, reflecting its larger applicant pool. Both institutions require strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and extracurricular involvement. Rose-Hulman often places a greater emphasis on STEM-related activities and interests.
Which university is better for someone interested in a specific engineering discipline?

Rose-Hulman is an excellent choice for students seeking a focused engineering education with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and a close-knit community. UC Berkeley offers exceptional engineering programs as well, with a broader range of specializations and access to cutting-edge research. The best choice depends on the specific engineering discipline and the desired learning environment.
How do the campus locations and surrounding areas compare?

Rose-Hulman is located in Terre Haute, Indiana, a smaller city with a more traditional college town atmosphere. UC Berkeley is situated in Berkeley, California, a vibrant city in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering access to a diverse cultural scene, numerous job opportunities, and a mild climate.

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