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

University of California, Berkeley vs The University of Texas At Austin

University of California, Berkeley Logo
University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, United States

QS World: #2012% Admit
The University of Texas At Austin Logo
The University of Texas At Austin

Austin, United States

QS World: #7232% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

UC Berkeley is a global academic titan, renowned for intellectual rigor, pioneering research, and world-class prestige. Its culture is competitive and innovation-driven. UT Austin offers a top-tier, high-value education with strong national prominence, vibrant community spirit, and excellent regional career prospects.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For specific disciplines, UC Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) program is globally unparalleled for leading tech. UT Austin's Petroleum Engineering consistently ranks #1 worldwide, ideal for aspiring energy sector leaders.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose UC Berkeley for maximal global prestige, intense competition, and a direct pipeline into Silicon Valley. Opt for UT Austin if you desire a comprehensive education, vibrant campus life, and outstanding regional career prospects in energy or Austin’s growing tech scene.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally6 — 2 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of California, BerkeleyThe University of Texas At Austin
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#20 (2027)+52 places
#72 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#9 (2027)+44 places
#53 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#5 (2026)+42 places
#47 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#7 (2027)+49 places
#56 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
12%More selective
32%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$47,000
$44,820Lower tuition
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1868Lead
1883
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
45,399
53,864
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
72 / 100
78 / 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: 2 leads·Texas At Austin: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)California, BerkeleyTexas At Austin
Civil and Structural Engineering#3#16
Electrical and Electronic Engineering#5#26

California, Berkeley · Specialist Subject Standings

Anthropology#4
Statistics and Operational Research#4
English Language and Literature#5

Texas At Austin · Specialist Subject Standings

Petroleum Engineering#1
Communication and Media Studies#4
Earth and Marine Sciences#13
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Berkeley vs Austin 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
High Cost Index

Texas At Austin (Austin)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$44,820/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$73,860/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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