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
Discipline Focus: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Clear Filter ×

California, Berkeley Programs

Refer to the official California, Berkeley course catalog for current intake fees.

Texas At Austin Programs

Refer to the official Texas At Austin course catalog for current intake fees.

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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