UNC or UC Berkeley (Business)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

Hi everyone, I am seeking some input on whether to go to UNC or UC Berkeley for business. I am in-state for UNC but Berkeley seems to be a better option. I would have to apply to get into their respective business schools, but I believe I can get into UNC’s easily and Berkeley’s will be hard/competitive due to the nature of things there. I was also wondering about the job prospects and such. I am not too into tech, so I would mostly go a pure business route even at Berkeley. I am not sure what field/specific aspect of business I would like to go into, but I am considering consulting, management, and investment banking as of now. I like the idea of also starting a business in college if I get the right idea, so is the “startup” culture at Berkeley something I should be more inclined towards? I have initiative and always seek out opportunities, but I feel like I would be able to stand-out more at UNC. However, a Berkeley degree and education seems to hold more value going forward.

Investment banking salary averages are $82,000 for UNC and $83,666 for Berkeley.
Consulting salary averages are $69,500 for UNC $73,406 for Berkeley
General management salary averages are $47,667 for UNC and $73,800 for Berkeley.
Overall salary averages are $66,325 for UNC with a $7,085 signing bonus $74,942 for Berkeley with a $8,500 signing bonus

I know these numbers only mean so much, but just thought of including it for perspective.

Other than for Investment Banking, most Berkeley students get employed in the Bay Area, where the cost of living is extremely high, while UNC students usually go to Raleigh or Charlotte, where cost of living is less. Why are the consulting averages still relatively the same then?

I would appreciate any advice and input. I have also been admitted to Babson, Wake Forest, McCombs at UT-Austin, Kelly at Indiana, and Carroll at Boston College, but I think UNC and Berkeley are my best options as of now, but please feel free to share insight on any of the schools I mentioned. Thanks!

2

Umm, what about cost of attendance? UNC is going to be wayyyy cheaper than OOS at Cal. Those salary disparities will be dwarfed by the extra tuition over 4 years.

3

For me, over 4 years, UNC would be $100,000 and Berkeley would be $240,000.

4

UNC is an excellent college. You are way overestimating the value of Cal.

Go to UNC-CH.

5

Cal has value - just not an extra $140,000. :smiley:

6

I don’t think he’s overestimating the value of Cal … but OOS tuition (unless money isn’t an object) generally isn’t worth it. Haas is amazing and the #2 undergrad business program for a reason. But you need to keep in mind that if you apply as a freshman, you aren’t directly admitted into Haas, so there’s a ~60% chance you wouldn’t be doing business and you’d need to do something else like econ.

Salaries between the two schools will generally be the same. Recruiting and placement options from Cal will generally be better as it’s a target school for just about any major company, bank, tech firm, consulting firm, etc.

7

I lived in both Chapel Hill and Berkeley and Heels baby! The “startup” culture is certainly there in Berkeley, but that doesn’t guarantee you any jobs after college. If anything, at least go for the best of best for MBA later.

8

Sent you a DM

9

Easily UNC. Berkeley is better than UNC but not $140,000 worth. UNC is still a tremendous school and you will have great job prospects. Not to mention amazing school spirit and D1 athletics.

10

Wouldn’t count Babson out. Hop on a video call with a current student if you have any questions! This was started at Babson and is the only college on the platform, but wouldn’t hurt to at least hear a current student out. thecampusinsider.com