Universities: University of California, Berkeley vs. University of Oxford

Quick Verdict

The University of Oxford distinguishes itself with a higher global ranking and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, offering a more personalized academic environment and a stronger international presence. UC Berkeley, while also highly regarded, provides a broader range of undergraduate programs and a larger campus, with a strong emphasis on research opportunities for undergraduates. Oxford's higher placement rate and guaranteed accommodation for first-year students further enhance its appeal.

Oxford has a significantly lower student-to-faculty ratio (11:1) compared to Berkeley (17.8:1 to 20:1), suggesting more personalized attention.
Oxford consistently ranks higher globally (THE: 1st, QS: 3rd) than Berkeley (17th).
Berkeley has a larger campus size, while Oxford's campus is integrated within the city of Oxford.
Oxford has a higher percentage of international students (46%) compared to Berkeley (11%).
Berkeley boasts a slightly lower acceptance rate (12%) compared to Oxford (16%).
Oxford provides guaranteed accommodation for first-year undergraduates, a detail not explicitly mentioned for Berkeley.
Berkeley emphasizes research opportunities with 70% of students participating, while Oxford is recognized for its highest volume of world-leading research.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	University of California, Berkeley	University of Oxford
Acceptance Rate	Approximately 12%	Around 16%. Approximately 1 in 6 undergraduate applicants received an offer for the 2023/24 entry. International students acceptance rate in 2024 was about 13%.
Tuition Fees	In-state: $16,347 (2024-2025) or $11,442 (2025); Out-of-state: $50,547 (2024-2025) or $41,196 (2025)	Home Students (UK): £9,535 per year (2025-26). International Students: Undergraduate £35,260 to £59,260 per year, Postgraduate £29,350 to £59,360. Oxford MBA up to £83,770.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio	20:1, 19:1, or 17.8:1	Approximately 11:1 for undergraduates.
Research Output	Leading public research university; 70% of UC students participate in original research or creative projects	Highest volume of world-leading research (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
Global Ranking	Ranked #17 globally	Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: 1st. QS World University Rankings: 3rd.
Number of Undergraduate Programs	107 bachelor's degrees; Over 150 undergraduate majors and minors	48
Number of Graduate Programs	Over 100 graduate programs; Awarded 963 doctoral degrees and 3,531 master's degrees in 2017	More than 350. 450 postgraduate courses for the 2022/23 entry.
Campus Size and Facilities	Approximately 1,200 acres (central campus: 178 acres); Facilities include Sather Tower, Doe Library, Hearst Greek Theatre, Haas Pavilion, and Sproul Plaza	No main campus; buildings scattered around the medieval city center. 44 colleges and halls. Largest library system in the UK.
Financial Aid and Scholarships	Nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students qualify for financial aid; Around 65% of students receive aid; Offers a range of programs to make education affordable	Offers financial support packages to UK students. International students are eligible for various scholarships. Provides over £10 million of financial support to undergraduates from lower-income households.
Diversity of Student Body	Diverse student body with significant percentages of Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and international students; Approximately 11% are international students	46% international students. Students from over 160 countries and territories.
Career Services and Placement Rate	Implied to be strong due to the university's reputation	87% placement rate. Oxford Said Business School: 80% of MBA students secured new roles, 82% received an offer within three months of graduation.
Alumni Network Strength	Strong alumni network	Over 250,000 individuals.

Overall Comparison

Oxford: Global Rank #1 (THE), Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1, International Students 46%. Berkeley: Acceptance Rate 12%, Global Rank #17, Research Participation 70%.

Pros and Cons

University of California, Berkeley

Pros:

High research output
Strong global ranking
Diverse student body
Strong alumni network
Vibrant campus life

Cons:

High acceptance rate (highly selective)
High student-to-faculty ratio (potentially impacting faculty accessibility)

University of Oxford

Pros:

No notable advantages reported.

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

User Experiences and Feedback

University of California, Berkeley

What Users Love

Wide range of research opportunities
Numerous student clubs and organizations
Vibrant campus life
Commitment to inclusion and diversity
Offers a wide range of scholarship programs

Common Complaints

Student-to-faculty ratio is relatively high compared to the national average, potentially impacting faculty accessibility
Support for student mental health and well-being not explicitly detailed

Value Perception

Financial aid and scholarship resources are accessible and helpful
Provides research opportunities in all areas of study

University of Oxford

What Users Love

Small class sizes and personalized education.
Tutorial system involves students meeting with tutors in small groups.
Strong performance across all academic measures.
Lowest student-to-staff ratio.
Research-driven university with strengths in sciences.
Career services including one-on-one meetings with career advisors.
Graduates are highly sought after by leading employers.
Accommodation is guaranteed for first-year undergraduates in their assigned college or a nearby annexe.
Connections with virtually every country in the world.
Actively participate in extracurricular activities.
Vast array of clubs and societies catering to almost every interest imaginable.
Offers financial support packages.
Offers joint honors programs.
Committed to the mental health and well-being of all its students.
Every undergraduate belongs to a college, which provides a close-knit Oxford community.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.