University of California, Berkeley vs Duke University
01 · Global Academic Standing
Berkeley is a public research powerhouse, emphasizing vast scale and cutting-edge innovation. Duke offers a more intimate, elite private university experience with a strong residential community. Their core difference is scale and ethos, both holding immense global prestige.
02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths
For unmatched tech and engineering, UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) program is world-leading. Duke University excels with its top-tier Economics program, providing exceptional preparation for careers in finance, business, or policy.
03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture
Choose Berkeley if you seek an expansive, high-octane public research environment with direct industry pipelines, especially STEM. Opt for Duke if you prioritize a personalized, well-resourced private university emphasizing pre-professional tracks and a strong community.
Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown
| Comparative Dimension | University of California, Berkeley | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
QS World University Rank Global employer & academic reputation index | #20 (2027)+50 places | #70 (2027) |
THE World University Rank Teaching, research environment & citations | #9 (2027)+23 places | #32 (2027) |
ARWU Shanghai Rank Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers | #5 (2026)+43 places | #48 (2026) |
U.S. News Global Rank Global research reputation & publications | #7 (2027)+23 places | #30 (2027) |
Admissions Selectivity Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective) | 12% | 6%More selective |
Annual International Tuition Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee | $47,000Lower tuition | $66,022 |
Founding Heritage Year of institutional establishment | 1868 | 1838Lead |
Student Cohort Scale Total enrolled degree-seeking students | 45,399 | 17,499 |
Campus Safety Index Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety | 72 / 100 | 88 / 100Lead |
10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory
Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).
QS Subject Rankings Showdown
Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.
| Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs) | California, Berkeley | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics and Operational Research | #4 | #23 |
| English Language and Literature | #5 | #24 |
| Sociology | #5 | #24 |
California, Berkeley · Specialist Subject Standings
Duke University · Specialist Subject Standings
California, Berkeley Programs
Refer to the official California, Berkeley course catalog for current intake fees.
Duke University Programs
Refer to the official Duke University course catalog for current intake fees.
Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off
Estimated monthly student expenditure in Berkeley vs Durham alongside annual international tuition.
California, Berkeley (Berkeley)
Duke University (Durham)
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