UCLA vs. UC Berkeley are two top-tier universities of the UC system; the public University of California system has 10 campuses, many of which rank top in the world. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is the No. 1 public school in the country, tied with University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), according to the 2024 American college rankings by U.S. News. There are so many intelligent people in the two prestigious institutions, so many great ideas just floating around everywhere in the two campus and lots of great opportunities available for UC Berkeley and UCLA students. Today, we are going to compare the two college from many different perspectives, including location, academic, acceptance rate, tuition fees, financial aid and much more. Wonder is UC Berkeley or UCLA more prestigious, UCLA vs. UC Berkeley, which is suitable for you? Keep reading our blog and we will help make informed decision.
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: A Quick Overview
UCLA and UC Berkeley are consistently ranked among the top national and worldwide universities. UC Berkeley is ranked 10th internationally, with UCLA following closely at 29th (QS WUR, 2024). UCLA and UC Berkeley all advances knowledge, addresses pressing societal needs and creates a university enriched by diverse perspectives where all individuals can flourish.
UCLA is well-known for its world-class art programs and other strong programs, for students who wants to be excellent in fields like film, fine art, performing arts, literature, history, and philosophy. In UCLA, they could explore various aspects of human expression and thought. In contrast, UC Berkeley is known for its science and technology programs. UC Berkeley has ranked top in subjects like engineering, computer science, and biotechnology. Here’s a quick comparison of UCLA vs UC Berkeley.
| UCLA | UC Berkeley | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Berkeley, California | Los Angeles, California |
| School Type | public institution | public institution |
| Ranking US News | 15 | 15 |
| QS 2024 Ranking | 29 | 10 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 33,040 | 33,078 |
| Graduate Enrollment | 13,636 | 12,621 |
| Total Enrollment | 46,676 | 45,699 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 14% |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 18:01 | 19.4: 1 |
| Campus Size | 1,232 acres | 419 acres |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,154 | $16,608 |
| Financila Aid | 68% receive grants and scholarships | More than 60% of students receive aid. |
| Weather | 284 days of sunshine and warm weather | 205 sunny days and wacky weather |
| Best sororities | Aphi / Theta / Kappa | Kappa Alpha Theta – ΚΑΘ |
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Housing
On UCLA and UC Berkeley, on-campus accommodation is available for students , but approximately 70% of students at the two universities prefer to live off-campus due to the freedom in pricing, lease terms, facilities, and privacy. When comparing the average rent of off-campus residences at UCLA and UC Berkeley, it is clear that Berkeley’s housing is more expensive. On the other hand, UCLA has more favourable housing options, allowing students to acquire off-campus apartments with greater ease.
Here is the average price of different student housing close to UCLA or UC Berkeley. uhomes.com is a reliable platform that offers student housing within walking distance of the college campus and easy access to public transportation.
| Room types/monthly rent | UCLA | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,401 | $2,801 |
| 1b | $2,917 | $3,137 |
| 2b | $4,047 | $4,137 |
| 3b | $6,179 | $6,579 |
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Location
The distance between UC Berkeley and UCLA is about 380 miles. UC Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California, just north of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Berkeley Campus, which offers breathtaking views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the East Bay, includes a variety of academic and research facilities such as Campus Park, Hill Campus, and Clark Kerr Campus.
In contrast, UCLA is located in the dynamic metropolis of Los Angeles, notably in the Westwood district, which is noted for its attractive surroundings and is only five miles from the Pacific Ocean. The school has outstanding public and campus transportation networks, which efficiently meet the commuting needs of its diversified workforce and student body. While both universities boast unique locations and offerings, they are positioned within the rich tapestry of California’s academic and cultural landscape.
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Academic
Berkeley is home to some of the world’s greatest minds leading more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units and addressing the world’s most pertinent challenges. While UCLA also offers a vast array of degree programs and areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students. UCLA’s most notable school is its School of Theater, Film, and Television, UCLA alumnus includes Academy Award winners, Emmy winners, Golden Globe winners. UCLA student’s academic pursuits can flex to suit their needs.
| UCLA | UC Berkeley | |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree Majors | 125+ majors | 150+ majors |
| Top Courses | Psychology | Computer Science |
| Film, Television, and Digital Media | Environmental Science | |
| Engineering | Business (Haas School of Business) |
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Admission Requirements
UCLA acceptance rate is around 11%, and UC Berkeley acceptance rate is about 14%. Both UCLA and UC Berkeley have extremely low acceptance rates, but don’t let this deter you. UCLA and UC Berkeley are both invested in admitting a diverse class of accomplished, value-well-rounded individuals. UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate is a little higher than that of UCLA. Thus, students applying to UCLA are more stressed and competitive.
Moreover, UCLA and UC Berkeley have English requirements for international students：
- UCLA: TOEFL iBT: 100 IELTS: 7.0
- UC Berkeley: TOEFL iBT: 100 IELTS: with a minimum score of 6.5 DET: with a minimum score of 115
| Admission Requirements | UCLA | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 14% |
| GPA | 3.0 (3.4 GPA for non-residents) | 3.0 (3.4 GPA for non-residents) |
| SAT/ACT Scores | Mid-50% range for SAT: 1360-1530; ACT: 31-35 | Mid-50% range for SAT: 1330-1530; ACT: 30-3 |
| Extracurriculars | Emphasis on well-rounded students demonstrating leadership, community involvement, and personal achievements | Strong consideration given to extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and unique experiences |
| Application Materials | High School Transcript AP test scores (all UC schools are test-blind for SAT/ACT) Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) UC Activities and Awards UC Additional Information Section Letter of Recommendation | High School Transcript AP test scores (all UC schools are test-blind for SAT/ACT) Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) UC Activities and Awards UC Additional Information Section Letter of Recommendation |
| Application fee | $80 ($95 for international) | $80 ($95 for international) |
| Application Open | Aug-1 | Aug-1 |
| Submit Application | October 1–December 2 | October 1 – November 30 |
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Tuition Fees and COA
Although UCLA and UC Berkeley all belongs to UC system, cost of attendance is different, wonder which school is more expensive, take a look of our UCLA vs. UC Berkeley cost of attendance comparison table. The table compares the tuition fees for attending UCLA and UCB for both California citizens and non-residents. Expenses include university fees, food and housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal and health insurance. Students could learn about the cost disparities between the two universities, which is useful information for decision-making.
| Cost of Attendance | UCLA | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| University Fees | $15,154 | $16,608 |
| Food & Housing | $18,369 | $21,508 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $1,641 | $1,132 |
| Transportation | $778 | $742 |
| Personal | $2,226 | $2,620 |
| Health Insurance (can be waived for students with own insurance) | $3,774 | $4,028 |
| CA Resident Total | $42,127 | $46,638 |
| Out of State Tuition | $34,200 | $34,200 |
| Non-Resident Total | $76,327 | $80,838 |
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Financial Aid
UCLA and UC Berkeley, are they generous with financial aid? Yes, nearly two-third of studnts received financila aid from school and particularly if they are California residents. Families in California making less than $80,000 a year are guaranteed free tuition and fees thanks to the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are regarded for having significant financial assistance programs, and both universities provide a range of financial aid choices, including grants, scholarships and work- study programs, students could earn through on-campus or off-campus employment. You can browse official website for more information.
| Financial Aid | UCLA | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Grants | Grants |
| Scholarship | Scholarship | |
| Work Study | Prizes and Honors | |
| Loans | Loans | |
| Work-Study | Work-Study | |
| Innovative Berkeley Aid Programs | ||
| Average | Around $22,000 | Around $28,000 |
| Students Received Aid | About 68% | more than 60% |
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: What are the Key Differences?
- Graduate Outcomes: UC Berkeley and UCLA students have different future paths after graduation. Most UC Berkeley graduates find jobs within six months of graduation, while most UCLA graduates pursue advanced degrees after graduation.
- Academic Strengths: While UC Berkeley is recognized for its authority in science and technology, UCLA is widely acclaimed and highly honoured for its programs in the arts and humanities.
- Median Salaries: UC Berkeley graduates usually earn higher median salaries than UCLA graduates. One reason could be Berkeley’s more substantial engineering and computer science reputation. Those majors are popular in Big Tech companies.
- Cost of Living: UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, California, while UCLA is in Los Angeles. LA’s cost of living is more budget-friendly than Berkeley’s, and UCLA tuition fees are also cheaper.
UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Which College is Right for You?
UC Berkelry Advantages
Here are the advantages that Berkeley having over UCLA:
UC Berkeley Reputation:
Berkeley has a stronger reputation outside of California. The further you get away from California, the more people perceive Berkeley as being more special than UCLA. In certain industries on the East Coast, a Berkeley degree will open doors. UC Berkely students have more job opportunity compared to UCLA students. UC Berkeley is worldwide renowned, there are people who even think that UC Berkeley is one of the Ivy Leagues. Of course, with-in California, the reputations of Berkeley and UCLA are comparable. But overall, this is still a win for Berkeley, even though reputation is kind of a superficial thing.
UC Berkeley Campus Experience
When it comes to the overall experience, Berkeley is a more intriguing city than Westwood Village. Even though there is more activity in Los Angeles than in the entire San Francisco Bay Area, getting around the city’s attractions usually requires a car because of the long distances and constant traffic. Contrarily, Berkeley is the embodiment of a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood—a rare find in the vast city of Los Angeles. Because of how walkable the city is, owning a car is practically unnecessary.
Berkeley is known for its lively intellectual environment, which contributes to its strong feeling of community. The cityscape is dotted with coffee shops, bookstores, and a variety of restaurants, highlighting its appeal as both intimate and global. Berkeley maintains its metropolitan essence while avoiding the oppressive throngs of New York City, thanks to its harmonious size balance. Its perfect balance is preserved by the symbiotic link between the city and its university, which amplifies its attraction.
Of course, with different criteria, some people would choose UCLA over UC Berkeley.
UCLA Advantages
UCLA’s Superb Location
One aspect is UCLA’s proximity to popular theme parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Magic Mountain. For students who prefer recreational activities and entertainment, having these attractions close by can provide a welcome vacation from academic intensity. Furthermore, UCLA’s location in Los Angeles provides more sunny days than Berkeley, which may appeal to students who want a warmer environment. While Berkeley does not experience harsh weather, folks who like a regularly sunny climate may find UCLA more appealing. UCLA’s location in the affluent suburbs of Los Angeles may be seen as more appealing than Berkeley’s environment, which can have significant socioeconomic inequalities.
UCLA Sports
UCLA also has better sports teams than UC Berkeley, which can help to create a vibrant campus environment and allow students to participate in school pride and community events.
UCLA Campus Experience
Some believe UCLA’s architecture is more aesthetically beautiful and consistent than Berkeley’s varied blend of styles. Berkeley’s architecture is less consistent and more eclectic. Plus, UCLA admits the largest, most diverse class of students. UCLA students are amazed to see so many different cultures and people from all over the world.
Finally, the decision between UCLA and UC Berkeley is subjective, affected by personal tastes ranging from location and reputation to campus aesthetics, campus life and extracurricular activities. Each university provides a unique experience, and students can prioritize various things based on their particular interests and aspirations.
Conclusion: UCLA vs UC Berkeley, Which is More Suitable for you?
Although the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California Berkeley (UCB) are not Ivy League schools, they are widely recognized as top-tier universities in the United States. UCLA is an excellent place for people looking to break into Hollywood because of its strengths in theatre, screenplay, and cinema; UCLA’s industry relationships provide a significant advantage to individuals considering entertainment jobs, with a focus on networking opportunities. Berkeley stands out for creating a unique intellectual and cultural environment. How to choose between UCLA and UC Berkeley depends on students’ personal preferences. In conclusion, UC Berkeley and UCLA serve a range of tastes, each being exceptional in different fields.
FAQ
While rankings can influence perceptions of prestige, they don’t tell the whole story. While both UCLA and UC Berkeley are highly prestigious institutions, they have different strengths and reputations.
- Rankings:
- In the latest 2024 American college ranking, U.S. News Rankings, UC Berkeley is the number one public school in the U.S., tied with UCLA.
- Academic Strengths:
- Both UCLA and UC Berkeley have performed well in their metrics. UC Berkeley is often regarded as a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and social sciences. UCLA has high-ranking programs in engineering, business, medicine, and law.
- Study Level:
- UC Berkeley is still ranked higher than UCLA on average for graduate students, while UCLA is ranked higher for undergraduates.
UC Berkeley, one of the top public universities in the U.S., is a renowned academic leader in the University of California system. It is particularly regarded as one of the best in the fundamental fields; UC Berkeley is best known for programs like electrical engineering and computer sciences, molecular and cell biology, and economics. Because UC Berkeley’s admission rate is relatively low, it is more difficult to get into, which proves that UC Berkeley is a good school from one side.
UCLA tied with UC Berkeley for the number-one spot in the Top Public Schools in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges in America list. Besides, UCLA and UC Berkeley tied for No. 15 in the overall ranking of universities in the nation. In addition to academic reputation, cost of attendance, return on investment, and some other factors also influence the student application.
There are only eight Ivy League schools, and UC Berkeley is not included. However, UC Berkeley is considered a prestigious institution with rigorous academics, and it’s often compared to Ivy League universities because of its high academic reputation.
For the 2023 fall semester, UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate is about 14%, while UCLA’s is about 11%. UCLA is the most applied-to university in the country, but both schools are selective, and you must show your strengths when applying.
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