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UT Austin vs Berkeley

Nestled in the heart of Texas and California, The University of Texas at Austin and University of California-Berkeley stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a reputation for academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique cultures, locations, and student demographics. UT Austin boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring undergraduates. Berkeley, on the other hand, attracts a more diverse student body, with a higher percentage of international students. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a transformative educational journey.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

 		University of California-Berkeley logo

University of California-Berkeley

Overview

Location Austin, Texas Berkeley, California
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 96.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 14.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75
Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $70
Graduate: $120
SAT range 1230 - 1500 N/A
ACT range 27 - 33 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 56.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 112,843
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 16,295
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 6,931
Yield rate 47.7% 42.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788
Out of state: $59,032
In state: $37,920
Out of state: $67,674
Average net price $16,589 $17,652
Tuition
In state: $11,752
Out of state: $40,996
In state: $11,442
Out of state: $41,196
Room & board $12,768 $20,236
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 51.0%
Average amount $12,725 		52.0%
Average amount $21,406
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961 		15.0%
Average amount $4,586
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366 		6.0%
Average amount $7,122

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6% 		31,814
Men 45.4% Women 54.6%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5% 		13,222
Men 51.7% Women 48.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 9.2% 16.9%
International students 9.1% 18.0%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 7,809 9,630
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 20:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 92.8%
Dropout rate 11.7% 6.3%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
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 main differences between UT Austin and UC Berkeley?

    UT Austin is a large public university located in Austin, Texas, known for its strong engineering, business, and natural sciences programs. It offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on school spirit and Texas traditions. UC Berkeley, also a large public university, is located in Berkeley, California, and is renowned for its academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in STEM fields and the humanities. It's known for its progressive atmosphere and proximity to Silicon Valley.

  • Which university is more prestigious?

    Both UT Austin and UC Berkeley are highly prestigious universities, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. UC Berkeley generally holds a slightly higher ranking overall, particularly in global rankings, due to its exceptional research output and faculty reputation. However, UT Austin is also highly regarded, especially within Texas and the Southern United States, and boasts top-ranked programs in specific fields.

  • How do the costs of attending UT Austin and UC Berkeley compare?

    UT Austin is generally less expensive than UC Berkeley, especially for in-state students. Tuition and fees at UT Austin are significantly lower for Texas residents compared to non-residents. UC Berkeley's tuition and fees are higher, and the cost of living in the Bay Area is considerably more expensive than in Austin. Out-of-state students at both universities will face higher tuition costs.

  • What are the strengths of UT Austin's academic programs?

    UT Austin excels in several academic areas, including engineering (particularly petroleum and chemical engineering), business (McCombs School of Business), natural sciences, and communication. It also has strong programs in law, education, and liberal arts. The university is known for its research opportunities and its connections to the Texas economy.

  • What are the strengths of UC Berkeley's academic programs?

    UC Berkeley is renowned for its strengths across a broad spectrum of disciplines. It is particularly strong in STEM fields such as computer science, engineering, chemistry, and physics. It also boasts top-ranked programs in the humanities, social sciences, and environmental design. Berkeley's proximity to Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities for students in technology-related fields.

  • How does campus life differ between UT Austin and UC Berkeley?

    UT Austin has a strong emphasis on school spirit and Texas traditions, with a vibrant campus life centered around sports, student organizations, and social events. UC Berkeley has a more politically active and progressive campus culture, with a focus on social justice and intellectual discourse. While both offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, the overall atmosphere and student body demographics differ significantly.

  • What are the admission requirements for UT Austin and UC Berkeley?

    Both UT Austin and UC Berkeley have highly selective admission processes. They both consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. UC Berkeley tends to have a slightly lower acceptance rate overall, making it marginally more competitive. Strong academic performance and a compelling personal narrative are crucial for admission to both universities.

  • What are the career opportunities available to graduates of UT Austin and UC Berkeley?

    Graduates of both UT Austin and UC Berkeley have excellent career prospects. UT Austin graduates often find opportunities in Texas and the Southern United States, particularly in the energy, technology, and business sectors. UC Berkeley graduates have access to a wider range of opportunities, especially in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, in technology, finance, and research. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can aid in career development.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    UT Austin is located in a vibrant and growing city known for its music scene, technology industry, and outdoor activities. The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. UC Berkeley is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub of innovation and technology. While the cost of living is high, students have access to a diverse cultural scene, world-class museums, and numerous internship and job opportunities.

  • Which university is better for international students?

    Both UT Austin and UC Berkeley welcome international students and offer resources to support their academic and personal success. UC Berkeley's global reputation and location in a diverse metropolitan area may appeal to some international students. UT Austin's strong programs in specific fields and its more affordable cost of living could be attractive to others. The best choice depends on individual academic interests, financial considerations, and personal preferences.

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