NYU vs UC Berkeley (economics)

<p>My cousin was recently accepted to both NYU and UC Berkeley and is dead set on studying economics with an undecided minor. As an international student the costs work out to be about the same and don't factor into his decision.</p>

<p>Although I've advised him to attend UC Berkeley, which I see as the more prestigious university (especially internationally), he likes the idea of living in NYC and doesn't mind the fact that theres no definitive campus. Berkeley is ranked higher on almost every ranking, but I'm not so sure about the relative strength of each school's economics program (If I had to guess I'd say Berkeley but I'm not so sure). Personally, I'm leaning towards Berkeley, but I'd like a few more opinions/ information to help <em>my cousin</em> make an informed decision.</p>

<p>I've never visited Berkeley but I have visited NYU and thought it had a great vibe. I don't know how Berkeley compares in terms of its social life and atmosphere.</p>

<p>I suppose the criteria would be:</p>

<p>1) Overall prestige/ reputation
2) Student Life (He seems to prefer NYU in this regard but hasn't actually visited either school)
3) Academics (in economics)
4) Class sizes
5) School spirit/ social life</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any input.</p>

<p>Internationally, the NYU name is strong, especially because it’s in New York - just having the name ‘New York University’ seems prestigious to people. </p>

<p>In terms of which has the stronger economics department? Every ranking puts Berkeley ahead of NYU, but only by a few spaces. </p>

<p>To my knowledge, NYU has more frequent class offerings and smaller class sizes (It’s not constrained by public funding, with which UCB has been having some issues). </p>

<p>NYU doesn’t have school spirit in the ‘rah rah’ sports type of spirit you would find at Berkeley.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply!</p>

<p>I’m an economics at NYU, so I can’t speak for Berkeley.<br>
The economics department here is fantastic. I’ve only taken two courses toward the major so far, but they have both been incredible. That being said, Berkeley is also a great school.<br>
In terms of academics, their probably comparable when it comes to economics.</p>

<p>Thanks! I posted this in the NYU thread to get some opinions that were different to mine. He’ll probably go to Duke (surprisse). </p>

<p>That said, the NYU Stern economics program is what seems to carry the real weight, not CAS. So I think NYU would have ultimately come out behind Berkeley.</p>

<p>Actually, both economics programs are top-notch. They just have different focuses - CAS is more theory based</p>

<p>there are two economics in NYU, one at Stern and one at CAS.</p>

<p>Stern is more real life based which would be my choice. CAS is more theory based</p>

<p>Hmm year I guess the economics are both really great. My view was slightly stilted by Berkeley’s prestige.</p>