I am in a fix between Cornell and Berkeley at the moment. I’m planning to major in Computer Science, and Cornell will cost me $28K per year while Berkeley will cost me $51K. However, I feel that I can graduate Berkeley within three years and save a full year’s worth of tuition, but I’m not sure how easy/feasible that is. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Did you get admitted to CoE (EECS) or to L&S (essentially undeclared)?
$51K/yr UCB vs $28K/yr Cornell, I’d take Cornell any time, especially if you were admitted to L&S.
Graduating in 3 years is quite possible (my D did EECS at UCB in 3 yrs), but that requires a lot of hard work and probably some summer classes (more $). Another problem with the 3 year schedule is that it doesn’t leave you much time for research/intern. Research/intern experience will help you later on in application for grad school or for employment.
I got into CoE for EECS. Is 3 years feasible if I’m coming in with about 6 AP credits though? All 6 would count towards a class.
Which 6?
However, 3 * $51k = $153k > 4 * $28k = $112k. The price difference, even if you do finish in 3 years, is a strong argument in favor of Cornell. Also, if your price is $28k per year after financial aid at Cornell, you probably cannot afford $51k per year anyway.
@ucbalumnus chem, bio, physics, math, english, and humanities. And I was wondering if the price difference would really make a big difference 10 years down the line compared to the college experience.
http://engineering.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate-guide/exams-ap-ib-level-and-transfer-credit-information lists the Berkeley engineering AP credit. It is possible, depending on your scores and which exams, that you may get a lot less subject credit than you think you will get.
I do not see why you think being under financial pressure to finish in 3 years will necessarily be a better college experience at significantly higher cost, and probably considerable debt if you got enough financial aid to get a $28,000 net price after financial aid from Cornell.
Do the math.
As a possible engineering major, you should be able to see the difference.