I’m instate for Berkeley but I got enough aid at CMU that it’s basically the same tuition. I would pursue a CS major at Berkeley and a stats/ml major at CMU. I visited both campuses and while I was drawn to Berkeley’s larger and nicer campus (Cal Day was just full of activities while CMU’s tours were kind of meh). However, I find myself being unable to ignore the benefits of a private school and the smaller class sizes, especially since the tuition is the same. Anyone have any input?
Smaller class size is meaningful, but not necessarily “private school” vs. public. Overall Bereley is top notch for CS. You can go anywhere from there.
CMU is also a top school for CS. Honestly, this isn’t really an academic qualoty comparison anymore. It is more, where will you be a better person at the end of your 4 years.