Both ETH Zurich and the University of California, Berkeley, are world-class institutions with strengths in STEM fields. ETH Zurich offers lower tuition fees (currently) and a more accessible acceptance rate, while UC Berkeley boasts a lower faculty-student ratio and higher earning potential for graduates. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding cost, class size, and career prospects.
| Attribute | ETH Zurich | University of California, Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Global Ranking | #7 in QS World University Rankings 2026; 11th in THE World University Rankings 2024; 20th in ARWU 2023 | CWUR 2024: 12th; U.S. News & World Report: 6th; QS World University Rankings 2026: 17th; THE World University Rankings 2025: 8th |
| Research Output and Funding | Focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; strong ties with researchers, foreign partners, and key stakeholders supporting its research | Premier research university; Ranked 9th in the Nature Index in 2017 |
| Faculty-Student Ratio | Approximately 100:1 | 19:1; 71% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 27% | Around 12% (15% for California residents, 8% for non-residents, and 5% for international students) |
| Tuition Fees (International Students) | Approximately CHF 1,500 per year (increasing to CHF 2,190 per semester in 2025) | Approximately $52,269 per year; Total expenses around $73,869 per academic year |
| Number of Programs Offered | 24 Bachelor programs, 52 Master programs, and 26 PhD programs; over 300 Bachelor's and Master's degrees | Over 300 degree programs; 106 bachelor's, 88 master's, 97 doctoral, and 31 professional degree programs |
| Strength in Specific Disciplines | Highly regarded in engineering, science, technology, and mathematics; ranked among the top 10 in the world for architecture, engineering and technology, and natural sciences; ranked first worldwide in earth and marine sciences, geology, and geophysics in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject | Renowned for engineering, computer science, and social sciences; Highly ranked in space science, biology, biochemistry, physics, economics, and environmental science |
| Career Services and Placement Rate | Employment outcomes ranking in 2025 was 87.2; Google, Microsoft, and Bain & Company recruit on campus | Graduates earn a median salary of $92,000 in the first 10 years after enrolling |
| Campus Facilities and Resources | Two main campuses: Zentrum in Zurich and H nggerberg in the city's outskirts; world-class laboratories, library resources, and computing infrastructure | Botanic Garden, California Memorial Stadium, libraries with over 14.6 million book volumes |
| International Student Support | Values diversity and welcomes international students; the International Student Office provides support; provides information on entry requirements, residence permits, insurance, and employment during studies | Berkeley International Office provides resources and support |
| Location and Accessibility | Located in Zurich, Switzerland; two main locations: the Zentrum campus in downtown Zurich and the H nggerberg campus on a hill in the outskirts; easily accessible by public transportation | Located in Berkeley, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area |
| Student Satisfaction | 62% of ETH students reported satisfaction with their studies in a 2021 survey (decline from 82% in 2015 due to the pandemic); 83% of respondents are proud to study at ETH, and 84% feel welcome | Challenging yet rewarding academic environment; Known for its beauty and diversity |
| Average time to graduation | Bachelor's programs last three years (180 ECTS credits), and master's programs last 18 months or two years (90-120 ECTS credits). A doctoral degree takes three to four years after a Master's degree. | Not available |
| Research opportunities | Offers fully-funded international internships to undergraduate and graduate students. The Computer Science Department at ETH Zurich offers the Student Summer Research Fellowship to allow undergraduate and graduate students to obtain research experience during the summer months. | Not available |
| Professor Accessibility | 78% of students say that lecturers are available to answer questions outside of class. | Not available |
| Class Size | 21 percent of ETH Zurich's classrooms have fewer than 20 students. | 71% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students. |
| On-Campus Housing | ETH Zurich does not have student halls available for all students. However, some exchange students may be eligible to receive a place in residences run by the Student Housing Cooperative called WOKO. You should expect to pay 800 to 1,000 Swiss francs per month for a room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. | Not available |