Side-by-side comparison

University of California-Berkeley vs Northwestern University

University of California-Berkeley and Northwestern University are compared below across admissions, cost, rankings, and outcomes. On the metrics both institutions report, Northwestern University leads on 6 of 10 comparable fields.

Metric University of California-Berkeley Northwestern University
Location Berkeley, US Evanston, US
Admission rate 11.0% 7.0%
SAT average 1,470 1,530
QS World rank #12 #50
THE World rank #9 #30
Median earnings (10yr) $81,400 $96,400
Annual cost $72,306 $81,598
Total students 45,307 22,601
Founded 1868 1851
Completion rate 92.0% 96.0%

Frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Berkeley harder to get into than Northwestern University?

Northwestern University has the lower admission rate. University of California-Berkeley: 11.0%. Northwestern University: 7.0%.

Which is ranked higher — University of California-Berkeley or Northwestern University?

University of California-Berkeley is ranked higher in the QS World University Rankings. University of California-Berkeley: #12. Northwestern University: #50.

Which is cheaper — University of California-Berkeley or Northwestern University?

University of California-Berkeley has the lower cost of attendance. University of California-Berkeley: $72,306. Northwestern University: $81,598. Actual cost depends on family income + aid.

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