HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

University of California, Berkeley vs New York University

University of California, Berkeley Logo
University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, United States

QS World: #2012% Admit
New York University Logo
New York University

New York City, United States

QS World: #588% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Berkeley, a public research powerhouse, offers unparalleled academic rigor and a strong STEM/public service ethos, reflected in its elite global standing. NYU, a private urban institution, boasts a vibrant experiential learning environment, excelling in arts, business, and humanities with a distinct metropolitan appeal and significant industry connections.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For STEM aspirants, UC Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) program is globally unmatched. Conversely, New York University's Film & Television Production program within Tisch School of the Arts consistently dominates for aspiring filmmakers.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose Berkeley if you seek a world-class foundational STEM education and research opportunities in a traditional campus setting; choose NYU if you desire an immersive urban experience driving careers in arts, media, or business with unparalleled industry access.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 3 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of California, BerkeleyNew York University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#20 (2027)+38 places
#58 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#9 (2027)+20 places
#29 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#5 (2026)+21 places
#26 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#7 (2027)+29 places
#36 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
12%
8%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$47,000Lower tuition
$64,210
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1868
1831Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
45,399
59,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
72 / 100
82 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

California, Berkeley: 1 leads·New York University: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)California, BerkeleyNew York University
English Language and Literature#5#15

California, Berkeley · Specialist Subject Standings

Civil and Structural Engineering#3
Anthropology#4
Statistics and Operational Research#4

New York University · Specialist Subject Standings

Philosophy#1
Law and Legal Studies#7
Performing Arts#8
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Berkeley vs New York City alongside annual international tuition.

High Cost Index

California, Berkeley (Berkeley)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$47,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$76,040/yr
Tier-1 Global Metropole

New York University (New York City)

$3,400/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,600/mo
Food & Groceries$650/mo
Local Transit & Personal$150/mo
Est. International Tuition$64,210/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$105,010/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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