Harvard University distinguishes itself with a significantly lower acceptance rate, a more favorable student-faculty ratio, and a substantially larger endowment, which allows for more extensive financial aid packages. However, this comes at a much higher tuition cost. UC Berkeley offers a more accessible option with a higher acceptance rate and lower tuition, especially for in-state students, while still maintaining a strong academic reputation and high graduation rate. The choice depends on individual priorities, financial considerations, and desired learning environment.
| Attribute | University of California, Berkeley | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 12% | Around 3-4%. For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was 3.59%. |
| Tuition and Fees | For the 2024-2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are $16,347 for in-state students and $50,547 for out-of-state students. Living expenses are estimated to be around $23,750. | The tuition and fees for full-time students in Harvard College for the 2023-2024 academic year were $59,076. The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year was approximately $79,540. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the cost of attendance is approximately $86,926. |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Around 19:1 | 7:1 |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 93-94% of students graduating. Around 92% of students graduate within 6 years. | Around 97-98% |
| Research Output | Leading research university with extensive research opportunities across various disciplines. | Harvard is a top research university. |
| Endowment Size | $2.9 billion (FY2023) for Berkeley only and $4.5 billion (FY2023) for the Regents portion. | $53.2 billion as of June 30, 2024 |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | Over 163 majors. Approximately 400 degree programs. | Offers academic flexibility in 92 areas of study. Undergraduates can choose from 61 concentrations (majors) across 13 schools. |
| Campus Size | Main campus is 178 acres, though the university spans over 1,200 acres. | The main campus in Cambridge is 209 acres (85 ha). The university has over 5,000 acres of property. |
| Location (Urban/Rural) | Urban environment of Berkeley, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. | Cambridge, Massachusetts, located about 3 miles (5 km) west-northwest of downtown Boston. It also has campuses in the Allston and Longwood areas of Boston. |
| Student Diversity | In 2023, the enrolled student population at UC Berkeley is 30.8% Asian, 22% White, 18.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.71% Two or More Races, and 2.52% Black or African American. | The undergraduate population represents all 50 states and over 80 countries. In 2023, the enrolled student population was 32.6% White, 14.8% Asian, 9.23% Hispanic or Latino, 6.44% Black or African American, and 4.3% Two or More Races. For undergraduates specifically, one source states that the white undergraduate population is 35.4%, with 23.8% being international students. |
| Average SAT/ACT Score | Average SAT score is between 1310-1530, and the average ACT score is between 30-35. | Average SAT: 1550, Average ACT: 35 |
| Financial Aid Availability | Approximately two-thirds of undergraduate students receive financial aid. | Harvard is committed to affordability, and scholarships are designed to cover 100% of demonstrated need. Financial aid is available to many students from families with incomes above $200,000, depending on individual circumstances. For students with a family income of $200,000 and below, with typical assets, financial aid covers the full cost of tuition. For students with family incomes of $100,000 or less and typical assets, Harvard's financial aid will cover tuition, fees, food, housing, and more. |