University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich) vs Berkeley

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the vibrant University of California-Berkeley, situated on the West Coast, stand as two beacons of academic excellence. While both institutions share a commitment to providing a world-class education, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique locations, academic strengths, and student demographics. With acceptance rates of 28.6% and 17.5%, respectively, these universities attract a diverse pool of talented students. Michigan boasts a larger student body, with over 45,000 undergraduates, while Berkeley fosters a more intimate learning environment with approximately 30,000 undergraduates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into the details of each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, and discover which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of California-Berkeley	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Overview
Location	Berkeley, California	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Trimester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	96.0%	97.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.4%	20.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	112,843	79,743
Total number of admissions given out	16,295	16,071
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,931	7,290
Yield rate	42.5%	45.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $37,920 Out of state: $67,674	In state: $32,272 Out of state: $69,326
Average net price	$17,652	$19,205
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $15,850 Out of state: $52,904
Room & board	$20,236	$12,592
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	52.0% Average amount $21,406	59.0% Average amount $16,326
Students receiving federal student loan	15.0% Average amount $4,586	24.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $7,122	3.0% Average amount $21,796

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,814 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	32,282 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students	13,222 Men 51.7% Women 48.3%	17,996 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.9%	N/A
International students	18.0%	15.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	9,630	11,629
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Health Professions	Engineering Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.8%	93.7%
Dropout rate	6.3%	5.7%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $185,139 Year 2: $178,741 Year 3: $197,723 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $209,842 Year 2: $168,125 Year 3: $177,935 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,285 Year 2: $139,927 Year 3: $151,208 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $139,794 Year 2: $140,166 Year 3: $148,785 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $118,208 Year 2: $112,215 Year 3: $137,273 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $78,398 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $123,926 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $100,643 Year 2: $94,281 Year 3: $117,745 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,847 Year 2: $116,354 Year 3: $116,465 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,171 Year 2: $99,772 Year 3: $107,831 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,194 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,999

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between the University of Michigan (UMich) and UC Berkeley?

The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, a classic college town in the Midwest, offering a traditional campus feel with distinct seasons. UC Berkeley, on the other hand, is situated in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, providing a more urban environment with a milder climate and access to a diverse range of cultural and professional opportunities. Ann Arbor offers a more self-contained campus experience, while Berkeley's location provides greater integration with a major metropolitan area.
How do UMich and UC Berkeley compare in terms of academic reputation and program strengths?

Both UMich and UC Berkeley are highly regarded public universities with strong academic reputations. UC Berkeley is particularly renowned for its programs in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), especially computer science, engineering, and physics. UMich also excels in STEM, but it is also exceptionally strong in business, law, medicine, and social sciences. Both universities offer a wide range of highly ranked programs across various disciplines, so your choice should depend on your specific academic interests.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between UMich and UC Berkeley for both in-state and out-of-state students?

UC Berkeley generally has a lower tuition cost for in-state California residents compared to UMich for Michigan residents. However, for out-of-state students, both universities have similar tuition rates, although the overall cost of attendance (including living expenses) in the Bay Area can be higher than in Ann Arbor due to the higher cost of living. It's crucial to check the latest tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most accurate information.
How do the student bodies at UMich and UC Berkeley differ in terms of size and diversity?

Both universities have large and diverse student bodies. UMich has a slightly smaller undergraduate population compared to UC Berkeley. UC Berkeley tends to have a higher percentage of students from California and a significant international student population. UMich draws students from across the United States and also has a substantial international presence. Both institutions are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive campus communities.
What are the main differences in campus culture and student life at UMich and UC Berkeley?

UMich is known for its strong school spirit and traditions, particularly in athletics. The campus culture is often described as spirited and community-oriented. UC Berkeley, with its history of activism and social engagement, has a more politically active and socially conscious campus culture. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to cater to diverse interests, but the overall atmosphere and emphasis may differ.
How do UMich and UC Berkeley compare in terms of research opportunities for undergraduate students?

Both UMich and UC Berkeley are major research universities with ample opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research. Both institutions have numerous research centers and institutes, and professors are often willing to involve undergraduates in their research projects. The specific research opportunities available will vary depending on your field of study, but you can expect to find a wide range of options at both universities.
What are the career prospects and alumni networks like for graduates of UMich and UC Berkeley?

Graduates from both UMich and UC Berkeley are highly sought after by employers across various industries. UC Berkeley's location in the Bay Area provides strong connections to the tech industry, while UMich has strong ties to industries in the Midwest and beyond. Both universities have extensive and active alumni networks that can provide valuable career support and networking opportunities. The strength of each university's alumni network is a significant asset for graduates.
How do the admissions processes and acceptance rates compare between UMich and UC Berkeley?

Both UMich and UC Berkeley are highly selective universities with competitive admissions processes. UC Berkeley generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than UMich, making it marginally more difficult to get into. Both universities consider a wide range of factors in their admissions decisions, including academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. A strong application is essential for both institutions.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at UMich and UC Berkeley?

Both UMich and UC Berkeley offer a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. These may include need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and federal student loans. The specific types and amounts of aid available will vary depending on your individual financial circumstances and academic qualifications. It's important to explore the financial aid resources on each university's website and submit the necessary applications to determine your eligibility.
If I'm interested in a specific major, how can I determine which university is a better fit for me?

Research the specific departments and faculty within your major at both UMich and UC Berkeley. Look at the course offerings, research opportunities, and faculty expertise in your area of interest. Consider contacting professors or current students in the department to learn more about their experiences. Visiting both campuses (if possible) and attending departmental information sessions can also provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

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