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

Quick Verdict

MIT offers a more selective, research-focused environment with a lower student-faculty ratio and a larger endowment, but at a higher cost. UC Berkeley provides a broader academic experience on a larger campus with a more accessible cost, especially for in-state students. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding selectivity, cost, campus environment, and desired level of faculty interaction.

MIT has a significantly lower acceptance rate (4.5%-5%) compared to UC Berkeley (approximately 12%), indicating a more selective admission process.
MIT boasts a much lower student-faculty ratio (3:1) than UC Berkeley (19:1), suggesting more individualized attention for students.
MIT's endowment size ($24.6 billion) is substantially larger than UC Berkeley's ($2.9 billion for Berkeley only), potentially allowing for greater investment in resources and financial aid.
UC Berkeley has a larger campus size (around 1,200 acres) compared to MIT (168 acres).
While both universities have high graduation rates (above 90%), MIT has a slightly higher retention rate (98%-99%) than UC Berkeley (97%).
MIT has a higher percentage of international students (approximately 29%) compared to UC Berkeley (16.2%).
MIT's cost of attendance is significantly higher than UC Berkeley's, especially for out-of-state students, but MIT provides substantial financial aid.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	University of California, Berkeley	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Acceptance Rate	Approximately 12%; 9% for international students	4.5% - 5%
Student-Faculty Ratio	19:1	3:1
Research Output (publications, citations, funding)	R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity; Federal funding exceeded $1 billion in 2021	Leading research university with numerous research centers, institutes, and laboratories. Investment income, significantly driven by endowment support, is MIT's second-largest revenue source, following research grants and contracts.
Endowment Size	$2.9 billion (FY2023) for Berkeley only; $4.5 billion (FY2023) for the Regents portion; $6.95 billion in 2021-22	$24.6 billion (as of June 30, 2024)
Number of Undergraduate Programs	87 programs granting 9,216 bachelor's degrees	56 undergraduate programs / 81 undergraduate majors and minors across 45 fields of study
Number of Graduate Programs	76 programs granting 4,022 master's degrees; 80 programs granting 1,245 doctorate degrees	Nearly 50 graduate courses
Average SAT/ACT Scores of Admitted Students	Average SAT score around 1415 (25th percentile: 1300, 75th percentile: 1530); Average ACT score of 31 (25th percentile: 28, 75th percentile: 34)	SAT: 1510-1580 (Average: 1543), ACT: 34-36 (Average: 35)
Graduation Rate	94%; 6-year graduation rate: 93%	6-year: 94%, 8-year: 95%
Retention Rate	97%	98% - 99%
Percentage of International Students	16.2%	Approximately 29% (3,430 international students in 2024-2025)
Campus Size and Facilities	Around 1,200 acres (central part: 178 acres); Includes Sather Tower, Doe Library, Hearst Greek Theatre, Haas Pavilion, and Sproul Plaza	168 acres in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along the Charles River. Includes student residences, playing fields, gardens, green spaces, and public works of art.
Cost of Attendance (Tuition, Fees, Living Expenses)	In-state tuition and fees: $16,347; Out-of-state tuition and fees: $50,547; Living expenses: $23,750 (2024-2025)	Tuition (2023-2024): $59,750, Full price (2025-2026): $89,340, Total cost (including living expenses): ~$82,730, Average annual price paid by those receiving aid: ~$19,599

Overall Comparison

MIT: 4.5% Acceptance Rate, 3:1 Student-Faculty Ratio, $24.6B Endowment. UC Berkeley: 12% Acceptance Rate, 19:1 Student-Faculty Ratio, $2.9B Endowment.

Pros and Cons

University of California, Berkeley

Pros:

Strong reputation for rigorous academics
Research opportunities in all areas of study (humanities and STEM)
High percentage of undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students
Committed to diversity and inclusion
Over 1,000 student organizations
High graduation and retention rates

Cons:

On-campus housing quality and availability can vary
Specific support services for students with disabilities or mental health concerns need to be gathered from specific departments

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Pros:

Rigorous and rewarding academic environment
Extensive research opportunities
Low student-to-faculty ratio
Excellent career prospects for graduates
Vibrant campus life with over 450 student clubs and organizations
Located in a vibrant college town with a thriving innovation climate

Cons:

Overwhelming workload
Environment rated as more harmful to mental health than helpful

User Experiences and Feedback

University of California, Berkeley

What Users Love

Provides research opportunities in all areas of study
71% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students
Students can participate in over 1,000 student organizations
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area

Common Complaints

The quality and availability of on-campus housing can vary
Information on specific support services for students with disabilities or mental health concerns would need to be gathered from specific departments at the university.

Value Perception

Starting salaries for UC Berkeley alumni average $57,445
70% of UC students participate in original research or creative projects

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

What Users Love

Collaboration and innovative problem-solving emphasized
Ample opportunities to work closely with professors
Career services and resources available
Abundant opportunities for internships and networking

Common Complaints

Workload is often overwhelming
Environment rated as more harmful to mental health than helpful

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Students describe the academic environment as rigorous and rewarding
The workload is often overwhelming, requiring effective time management