Colleges: University of California, Berkeley vs. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Quick Verdict

MIT distinguishes itself with a significantly lower acceptance rate, a more favorable student-faculty ratio, a substantially larger endowment, and higher graduate salaries. UC Berkeley, however, offers a broader range of undergraduate programs and a lively campus environment. The choice depends on individual priorities, with MIT potentially better suited for those seeking a more focused, research-intensive experience and UC Berkeley offering a wider array of academic options and a more diverse campus community.

MIT has a significantly lower acceptance rate (4-5%) compared to UC Berkeley (approximately 12%).
MIT boasts a much smaller student-faculty ratio (3:1) compared to UC Berkeley (19:1), suggesting more individualized attention.
MIT's endowment is substantially larger ($24.6 billion) than UC Berkeley's ($4.3 billion university, $14.7 billion total campus foundation assets).
MIT graduates have a much higher average starting salary ($126,841) compared to UC Berkeley graduates ($57,445 median alumni salary).
UC Berkeley offers a greater number of undergraduate programs (107) than MIT (56).
Both universities are located in urban settings and are recognized for their high research activity.
Both universities demonstrate a commitment to student diversity, although the specific demographics vary.
While both universities offer research opportunities, MIT is known for its intense workload, while UC Berkeley faces challenges related to crime rates typical for a college campus in a city setting.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	University of California, Berkeley	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Acceptance Rate	Approximately 12%	4-5% (4.8% for Class of 2027)
Tuition and Fees (Undergraduate)	In-state: $16,347; Out-of-state: $50,547 (2024-2025)	$59,750 (2023)
Student-Faculty Ratio	19:1	3:1
Graduation Rate	6-year: 93%; 4-year: approximately 75%	94% (88% within four years, 96% within six years)
Research Output	R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity	Leading research university with numerous research centers, institutes, and laboratories
Endowment Size	$4.3 billion (university), $14.7 billion (total campus foundation assets) as of June 30, 2024	$24.6 billion (as of June 30, 2024)
Campus Size	178-acre central campus, 1,232 acres overall	168 acres (68 ha)
Number of Undergraduate Programs	107	56
Number of Graduate Programs	214	Not specified in the provided context
Location	Urban, Berkeley, California	Urban, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Student Diversity	30.8% Asian, 22% White, 18.5% Hispanic or Latino (2023)	23.4% White, 21% Asian, 9.63% Hispanic or Latino, 7.04% Two or More Races, 5.08% Black or African American
Average Starting Salary of Graduates	$57,445 (median alumni salary)	$126,841
Pros	Accessible faculty, interdisciplinary research, lively campus, diverse student body, career planning, strong reputation, campus safety resources	Low student-faculty ratio, research opportunities, high racial diversity, well-prepared graduates, safe campus
Cons	Crime rates typical for a college campus in a city setting, information on housing and dining options not available	Intense workload

Overall Comparison

MIT: 4-5% Acceptance Rate, 3:1 Student-Faculty Ratio, $24.6B Endowment, $126,841 Avg. Starting Salary vs. UC Berkeley: ~12% Acceptance Rate, 19:1 Student-Faculty Ratio, $4.3B Endowment, $57,445 Avg. Starting Salary

Pros and Cons

University of California, Berkeley

Pros:

Faculty members are generally accessible, with many designating time to help students outside of class and aid with research.
UC Berkeley offers 80 interdisciplinary research opportunities.
The campus community is lively and diverse, with many restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
There are over 1,000 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and service organizations.
UC Berkeley provides career planning, professional development, workshops, and mentorships.
UC Berkeley's student body is diverse. Approximately 25% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and around 35% receive Pell Grants. The university has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries.
There are over a thousand student organizations spanning academic groups, sports, and special interest clubs.
UC Berkeley provides career preparation, exploration of career paths, and helps students pursue professions matching their interests and strengths.
UC Berkeley has a strong reputation for rigorous academics.
The University provides resources such as a 24-hour hotline, trained security personnel, and late-night transportation services.
The University of California Police Department employs community policing strategies to prevent crime on and around campus properties.

Cons:

UC Berkeley and the surrounding areas have crime rates typical for a college campus in a city setting.
Information on the quality of housing and dining options was not found in the provided search results.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Pros:

Low student-faculty ratio ensures substantial access to professors
Many research opportunities available for undergraduate students
High racial diversity
Graduates are well-prepared for their future careers
Safe campus with comprehensive security measures

Cons:

Workload can be intense

User Experiences and Feedback

University of California, Berkeley

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Faculty members are generally accessible, with many designating time to help students outside of class and aid with research.
67% of students have talked with an instructor outside of class about course material.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

What Users Love

Substantial access to professors, fostering mentorship and collaboration
Many research opportunities, students often work alongside professors on groundbreaking research
Very high racial diversity
Students come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and 138 foreign countries
MIT graduates are well-prepared for their future careers
Generally considered a safe campus, with comprehensive security measures and a supportive community atmosphere

Common Complaints

Workload can be intense

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

MIT students are typically very driven and focused on their studies, and the workload can be intense.