Harvard University vs University of California-Berkeley
Harvard University is extremely selective with a 3.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of California-Berkeley (11.7%). Graduates of Harvard University earn $9,371 more per year at the 10-year mark ($101,817 vs $92,446). For families earning $48k–$75k, Harvard University is more affordable at $2,091 net price vs $9,693.
Admissions & Outcomes
Harvard University has a higher yield rate (83.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Cambridge, MA
Berkeley, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of California-Berkeley is more affordable at $5,311 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $53,337 vs $34,529.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of California-Berkeley enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (27%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Harvard University
- 1 Computer Science$128,737
- 2 Statistics$128,716
- 3 Applied Mathematics$90,856
- 4 Economics$78,971
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology$57,318
University of California-Berkeley
- 1 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$128,868
- 2 Computer Science$125,388
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$81,456
- 4 Chemical Engineering$80,718
- 5 Operations Research$76,460
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Harvard University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Social Sciences, General
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Applied Mathematics
University of California-Berkeley
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Harvard University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$49,653
- Est. total cost/year$72,391
- School typePublic
University of California-Berkeley
- International students17%
- Tuition (international)$41,196
- Est. total cost/year$64,596
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 26% international enrollment, Harvard University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Harvard University or University of California-Berkeley?
Harvard University is more selective with a 3.5% acceptance rate, compared to 11.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Harvard University or University of California-Berkeley?
Harvard University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $101,817 compared to $92,446. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Harvard University or University of California-Berkeley?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Harvard University has a lower net price at $2,091 per year vs $9,693. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Harvard University vs University of California-Berkeley?
Harvard University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 97.5%, compared to 92.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Harvard University or University of California-Berkeley?
Harvard University has a larger international student population at 26% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Harvard University and University of California-Berkeley?
At Harvard University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $128,737 within two years. At University of California-Berkeley, the top-earning major is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $128,868. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.