I got accepted into Cal and Northwestern for econ. Ideally, I would go into ibanking, but I am pretty happy with the prospect of a consulting job too. I would be able to pay in-state tuition and graduate in three years if I go to Cal, but I don’t think I qualify for any need-based aid at Northwestern. However, I may be willing to pay the price if prospects at Northwestern are significantly better for ibanking and finance jobs.
I have attended both of these schools (one undergrad, one grad). Northwestern places very well in consulting, but is not as strong as some of its Ivy League peers in investment banking recruiting. NU tends to place well in the Chicago offices, but not as much in NYC due to geography. I am not as familiar with placement at the undergraduate level at Berkeley. I would suggest asking people from each school for placement records.