The beautiful city of California is home to two prestigious institutions that are often put up against each other in the academic arena: the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Both universities are considered the best in terms of offering quality education and career opportunities, but is UC Berkeley better than UCLA? Talking about the UCLA vs UC Berkeley rankings, UC Berkeley has been ranked #10 in the QS World University Rankings, while UCLA ranks #29 in the QS World University Rankings. In this blog, we will battle UCLA vs UC Berkeley and find out which is better, UCLA or UC Berkeley.
UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: An Overview
Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has been redefining the world by challenging the conventions and coming up with unparalleled intellectual, economic, and social value. Today, the university is home to over 1,600 faculty and 35,000 students from around the world. UC Berkeley has been ranked #1 Public University Worldwide by U.S. News and World Report. There are over 475 community organisations with Berkeley student involvement. UCLA, one of the most prestigious public research universities in the world, was established in 1920. Currently, UCLA is home to more than 47,700 students and 4,100 faculty members from across the globe. The university is recognised as a leader and innovator in sustainability. You can learn more about UCLA's acceptance rate in our blog. Here`s a comparison of UCLA VS UC Berkeley, and decide for yourself: is UC Berkeley better than UCLA?
UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: Acceptance Rate
With both ranking among the top 50 universities following the QS Rank, many students face confusion in choosing between the two! The average acceptance rate for the two rival universities, i.e.UCLA and UC Berkeley, is 15.74%, and the enrollment rate (also known as the admission rate) is 40.34%, with a total of 196,932 applicants and 30,992 enrolled. However, the acceptance rate of UC Berkeley is only 17.48%, which is the second-lowest passing rate, and the same for UCLA, is 14.33% passing percentage, which makes UCLA the hardest institution to get into. For your better understanding of the UCLA VS UC Berkeley debate, we`ve compared and catered to the question of which is better, UCLA or UC Berkeley, following certain parameters below:
1. UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: Academics
Academics should be the focus point in terms of any comparison between two or more universities. You must sit, search and learn thoroughly about the faculties, facilities, departments, subjects and curriculum of respective universities before making a final decision about whether UC Berkeley is better than UCLA! Now, let`s see UCLA Vs UC Berkeley, which is a few steps ahead!
UC Berkeley
In the battle between UCLA and UC Berkeley, we now explore the academic programs offered by the two universities to know which is better: UCLA or UC Berkeley. Both universities offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across disciplines. Let’s first talk about UC Berkeley, which has over 350 degree programs in 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units. Here are some of the popular courses offered by UC Berkeley:
1. Architecture
2. Astronomy
3. Bioengineering
4. Business
5. Film Studies
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Public Affairs
8. Science and Technology, Applied
9. Environmental Science, Policy, and Management
10. Forestry and Natural Resources
UCLA
At UCLA, you can choose from a vast array of programs across disciplines. Here, you can even pursue a minor along with your major degree, earning two degrees at once. The university also offers the opportunity to pursue a master’s as an undergraduate degree. This information shall help you decide if UC Berkeley is better than UCLA! UCLA offers the following degrees:
1. Aerospace Engineering
2. Architecture
3. Astrophysics
4. Biomedical Research
5. Business Economics
6. Chemical Engineering
7. Design Media Arts
8. Environmental Science
9. Film and Television Production
10. Health Policy and Management
2. UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: Campus Life
Campus life constitutes an underrated yet significant aspect of choosing any particular university. What the university campus has to offer impacts a student`s learning experience a great deal in choosing whether UC Berkeley is better than UCLA.
UC Berkeley
In deciding if UC Berkeley is better than UCLA, we first explore the vibrant campus life at UC Berkeley. Berkeley has a lively, diverse campus life with students worldwide. Experience the happening life of Berkeley with its daily activities and cultural events like concerts, sports events, and Cal performances. Love sports? The campus lets students indulge in the many sports they like. At UC Berkeley, you will also get a range of housing and dining options with meal plans and cafes. And you also get to be a part of many student organisations, be it public service, performing arts, or gender and identity.
UCLA
Studying at UCLA will be a life-changing experience for you! Breathtaking scenery, comfortable on-campus housing, fine dining, state-of-the-art facilities, and the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds; this is what UCLA is all about! At UCLA, you will enjoy over 5,000 annual events and take in the relaxing sunset vistas. The campus offers cosy, productive study spaces where you can sit for your study sessions with friends or alone. You can join any or multiple clubs that you associate with. These include sports & recreation, culture & identity, business & entrepreneurship, arts, student government, or volunteering.
3. UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: Admission Requirements
The next thing we dive into in this UCLA vs UC Berkeley duel is their admission requirements. Without admission, there`s no university life at all! How streamlined an admission process is has an impact on the student's mental inclinations in deciding if UC Berkeley is better than UCLA!
Admission Process for UC Berkeley
For UC Berkeley, you need first to fill out the application form, which you can start by August 1 and submit by October 1 to November 30. The application fee for domestic students is $80, and for international & non-immigrant students is $95 for each UC campus. After filling out the form, you need to fulfil the requirements and selection by showcasing both academic and non-academic achievements. Make sure all information in your transcript is accurate. Also, students who cannot afford to apply get application waivers. You can apply for free waivers for up to four Berkeley campuses through the application.
Application Process for UCLA
For admission at UCLA, you start by filling out the application form. The university looks at both academic records and personal experiences of the applicant during the review process. Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 A-G courses. At least 11 of these courses must be finished before the start of their senior year in high school. Also, note that applicants are expected to present a significantly stronger academic profile than the minimum requirements set by UCLA.
During the review process, UCLA considers the following criteria:
- Performance in high school or college coursework
- Personal qualities
- Anticipated contributions to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the campus
- Success in academic enrichment programs
- Achievements in any realm of intellectual or creative pursuits, encompassing performing arts, athletics, and community service
4. UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: Cost of Education
Of course, comparing the financial strain for different universities is an important step while considering higher education abroad! Although both these universities have their scholarship programmes, an estimation of the expenditure for both will help you plan your budget and decide accordingly between UCLA Vs UC Berkeley debate.
UC Berkeley
We now look at the cost of education in the UCLA vs UC Berkeley battle. At UC Berkeley, students need to pay student service, campus, housing, and tuition fees. The total cost of attendance, including personal expenses, is $46,168 if living in a campus residence hall, $45,492 if living in an on-campus apartment, $41,592 if living in an off-campus apartment, and $33,010 if living with relatives.
UCLA
UCLA has been ranked the #1 best-value university in the nation by Forbes, considering the price, average student debt, future earnings, education quality, and other factors. For international students, the total cost of education is $71,091 if living in UCLA residence halls, $72,137 if living in off-campus apartments, and $63,623 if you are staying off campus.
5. UCLA Vs UC Berkeley: Scholarships
Scholarships offering is the next thing we will explore in this duel between UC Berkeley vs UCLA. Is UC Berkeley better than UCLA in terms of offering financial aid to students?
Scholarships at UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley offers a range of scholarship programs to help students with their education. At Berkeley, you get these scholarships:
1. Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship
2. Middle-Class Scholarship
3. SkyDeck Intern Scholarship
4. Fiat Lux Scholarship
5. Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship
6. African American Initiative Scholarship
7. New Leader Scholarship
Steps to the UC Berkeley Scholarship
- Donors create named scholarships (year-round)
- UC Berkeley offers students financial aid packages in the Spring
- The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) matches students with donor-created scholarships in early fall
- The scholar information is shared with the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) in the fall
- Students then create their scholarship profiles in the fall
- UDAR sends profiles to donors during winter & spring
- UDAR invites students to record a video update in late spring
- UDAR then sends thank you videos to donors in early summer.
Scholarships at UCLA
The University of California, Los Angeles, is dedicated to aiding students in funding their education. The financial aid awarded by the university generally comprises a combination of scholarships and grants from UCLA and other sources, low-interest loans, and a work-study job during the academic year. UCLA offers the following scholarships and grants:
1. UCLA Regents Scholarships
2. UCLA Alumni Scholarships
3. University Student Aid Program Funds
4. University of California Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
5. Cal Grants
6. Middle Class Scholarship Program (MCSP)
Steps to apply for UCLA scholarships
To apply, students need to
- fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the DREAM Act Application.
- Ensure to finish the application before the UCLA priority date, March 2.
- The application forms are available in December every year, and they offer access to federal and state-based financial aid programs for all eligible students.
So, now the question is, is UC Berkeley better than UCLA? Considering everything in this duel of UCLA vs UC Berkeley, we would say that both UC Berkeley and UCLA are great choices for students. Both universities offer quality education, good career opportunities, unique resources and experiences. When thinking about which is better, UCLA or UC Berkeley? The choice can depend on several factors, such as academic interests. Location, campus life, lifestyle preferences, career goals, and financial considerations. So, when deciding between UCLA and UC Berkeley, consider all aspects, and after careful consideration of the criteria that matter most to you, you can make your decision. So, still pondering whether I should go to UCLA or UC Berkeley? which is better, UCLA or UC Berkeley? Decide soon!