University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UDub) vs Berkeley

Nestled in the vibrant cities of Seattle and Berkeley, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus and the University of California-Berkeley stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and research, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique locations, student demographics, and academic strengths. With acceptance rates of 44% and 17%, respectively, these universities cater to different levels of competitiveness. UW-Seattle boasts a diverse student body, with 43% of undergraduates identifying as non-white, while UC-Berkeley's student population is slightly less diverse, with 38% of undergraduates identifying as non-white. Dive into the comprehensive comparison table below to explore further differences in popular majors, graduation rates, and other key factors that will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	University of California-Berkeley	University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Overview
Location	Berkeley, California	Seattle, Washington
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	96.0%	93.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.4%	53.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $85
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	112,843	48,840
Total number of admissions given out	16,295	26,121
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,931	7,252
Yield rate	42.5%	27.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $37,920 Out of state: $67,674	In state: $30,640 Out of state: $58,470
Average net price	$17,652	$8,701
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $10,927 Out of state: $38,757
Room & board	$20,236	$14,871
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	52.0% Average amount $21,406	41.0% Average amount $15,895
Students receiving federal student loan	15.0% Average amount $4,586	19.0% Average amount $4,460
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $7,122	1.0% Average amount $24,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,814 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	36,201 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	13,222 Men 51.7% Women 48.3%	16,233 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	16.9%	N/A
International students	18.0%	14.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,630	11,123
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Health Professions	Engineering Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.8%	83.9%
Dropout rate	6.3%	15.6%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $171,936 Year 3: $191,597 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $167,052 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $125,250 Year 2: $125,388 Year 3: $161,399 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $126,367 Year 2: $128,868 Year 3: $160,666 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,390 Year 2: $142,470 Year 3: $143,984 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $119,358 Year 3: $143,516 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,442 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $112,973 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $74,750 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $104,601 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,600 Year 2: $85,760 Year 3: $103,738 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,282 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $102,543	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $189,764 Year 2: $218,927 Year 3: $206,965 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,990 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $154,987 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $137,584 Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $152,099 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,070 Year 2: $127,652 Year 3: $142,606 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $141,725 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $121,620 Year 2: $124,420 Year 3: $137,488 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $121,083 Year 2: $121,294 Year 3: $131,592 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,893 Year 2: $118,349 Year 3: $127,982 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,634 Year 2: $113,228 Year 3: $125,171 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,287 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $121,695

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Washington (UW) and UC Berkeley (UCB)?

UW is a public research university located in Seattle, Washington, known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and medicine. UC Berkeley, also a public research university, is located in Berkeley, California, and is renowned for its broad academic excellence, particularly in engineering, computer science, law, and the humanities. Key differences include location, campus culture, and specific program strengths, with Berkeley often perceived as more academically intense and UW offering a more balanced lifestyle.
Which university is better for Computer Science?

Both UW and UC Berkeley have exceptional Computer Science programs consistently ranked among the top in the world. UC Berkeley is often considered slightly more prestigious and research-focused in CS, while UW boasts strong industry connections with companies like Microsoft and Amazon due to its Seattle location. The 'better' choice depends on your individual preferences and career goals.
How do the costs of attending UW and UC Berkeley compare?

As public universities, both UW and UC Berkeley offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents. For out-of-state students, tuition is significantly higher at both institutions. Generally, UC Berkeley tends to be slightly more expensive overall due to the higher cost of living in the Bay Area compared to Seattle. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances and financial aid packages.
What is the campus environment like at UW versus UC Berkeley?

UW has a beautiful, sprawling campus on the shores of Lake Washington, offering a more traditional college town feel. The campus culture is generally considered more laid-back and outdoorsy. UC Berkeley's campus is located in the vibrant city of Berkeley, adjacent to San Francisco. The campus environment is more urban and academically driven, with a strong emphasis on social activism and intellectual discourse.
Which university is more difficult to get into?

UC Berkeley is generally considered more selective than UW. Both universities are highly competitive, but UC Berkeley typically has a lower acceptance rate due to its broader national and international appeal. However, admission difficulty can vary depending on the specific program you're applying to.
How do the research opportunities compare between UW and UC Berkeley?

Both UW and UC Berkeley are leading research institutions with extensive opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UC Berkeley is known for its groundbreaking research across a wide range of disciplines, while UW has particular strengths in areas like medicine, engineering, and oceanography. Both universities offer numerous research labs, centers, and institutes where students can get involved.
What are the career prospects like after graduating from UW versus UC Berkeley?

Graduates from both UW and UC Berkeley are highly sought after by employers. UW graduates benefit from strong connections to the tech industry in Seattle, while UC Berkeley graduates have access to opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond. Both universities have excellent career services and alumni networks to support students in their job search.
How do the student demographics differ between UW and UC Berkeley?

Both UW and UC Berkeley have diverse student populations, but there are some differences. UC Berkeley tends to have a higher percentage of international students and a more diverse student body from across the United States. UW has a larger proportion of students from Washington state and the Pacific Northwest. Both universities are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
What are the strengths of UW that UC Berkeley might not offer?

UW's strengths include its proximity to major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon, providing excellent internship and job opportunities. It also has a strong focus on healthcare and medicine, with a world-renowned medical school and research facilities. The campus also offers a more traditional college experience with a strong sense of community.
What are the strengths of UC Berkeley that UW might not offer?

UC Berkeley's strengths lie in its unparalleled academic reputation across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. It also boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. Its location in the Bay Area provides access to a diverse range of cultural and professional opportunities.
How does the financial aid and scholarship availability compare between UW and UC Berkeley?

Both UW and UC Berkeley offer financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. The amount of aid you receive will depend on your individual financial circumstances and academic merit. It's crucial to apply for financial aid as early as possible and explore all available scholarship opportunities at both institutions. While both strive to meet demonstrated need, the specific packages can vary.
What is the surrounding city like for each university?

Seattle, where UW is located, is a vibrant city known for its tech industry, coffee culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Berkeley, where UC Berkeley is located, is a lively city with a strong counter-cultural history and a diverse culinary scene. It's also conveniently located near San Francisco, providing access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options.

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